-ri^Ti-^jr..- : - tiSii^Szx^ a^M«£^.z^ UT-tS ^jsci^gp^gg^^g I in 9 ^S^^^^^ ^^^ffwffMii iicnj)j|fcWI|«|||i^^ [iCMlJSuXl-it^I^ TfflWitl*iHII*"W'ililfiBn ^WMImH S^iffiriJ^aBMBiyfaliliiil 1 ii!^i r\i \t 1 Jt.^1 ''}fs&SKtiWBKt BDHBHClBfl^^Hl^ 4r4J^$C]l fSMWWM 'SlV-ii..-^ IBi 1 J^^|>ti,«H "'i^aB iEBBWWMHWIBj ^^^^h"- .-^l^^^^'/ -; J^ gWMj^^ ;^^^^f|^ ¦1 ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^1 E ^^^^^ I^^Pim^^^^^^^ ^^K 'n^^nvRBnin ^^^^|MM|WM|jM^^w^S^a §'^^»^h1^^K ^^^p^l^^^^^P fTJj -a^KJE^jri^^ri ^^^^^^^^^^P ^B m^^^^^^^^ ^B ^^^^^^^^^^^g ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^B ^^^^^gg ^BBBfilEffiRaJ^^^^M nKv^lj^^g^^^^^^^^^^Hj SHB^g-SHHai Dmsih YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY i,»n ^y~ «..,, "57^ J >' / K OlcLStone M'.ill At'NewpopL ]ME W^ Y^ORK JOHN. S TAYLOR 17 Ann S^^ o HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. BY EEV. EDWAED PETEESON, AOTHOB OP " THE WOHLD IN THE ASCENDANT," " PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY CONTRASTED WITH MODERN," " BIBLE TEHFEBANCE REVIEW," &C,, IcC. JOHN S. TAYLOE, 17 Ann-Street. 1853. ^7,» Entered according to Act of Congress, in tho year 1853, by JOHN S. TAYLOR, In the Clerk's ofBce of the District Court of tho United States, for the Southern District of New- York. Lt '"i l-'i JOHN J. REED, PRINTER, 16 Spruce-Street. TO THE PEOPLE, THIS WORK IS MOST EESPECTPITLLy DEDICATED, BT [?> [^ 1 [F A© 1, In seeijing out Materials for a work of this kind, embracing a period of nearly two centuries, it must be obvious to the reader, that it has been attended with much difficulty, as valuable "Eecords have been lost, which would have greatly aided and faciUtated the publication. Tradition has been the source, from whence much infor mation has been derived, of a highly interesting and amusing character, and ¦which could not, possibly, have been obtained from authentic records. "We have, however, under every discouragement, labored to present a variety of subjects of the deepest interest, from the Settlement of the Island, to the breaking out of the American Eevolution ; at which period we have shewn, that Newport had attained to a high degree of celebrity, and stood unrivalled by any City or Town in the Colonies. We have, also, brought down events until within a few years, in order to give the reader the opportunity of enjoying all the advantage which was to be gathered from the reminis- censes of the past. To the Antiquarian, this work will be highly interesting, as it will be found to contain much valuable information ; and prove extremely amusing to every class of readers, from the variety of subjects which it contains. VI PREFACE. • This work being published by subscription, we have added a list of those subscribing, whose names were transmitted to us prior to its going to press, since which numerous others have been handed to the Agents, but not as yet transmitted to us, which precludes their appearing with the rest. As we have among our Subscribers many celebrated names, either in connection with Ehode Island, or from other causes, we have, in order to add to the interest of the work, given a fac-simile of their respective signatures. The Author's acknowledgments are due to the many friends who have aided him in the progress of the work, and more particularly to David Melville, Esq., and B. B. Howland, Esq. ; also for information gleaned from the Notes of the late Henry Bull, Esq., and Ross's " Historical Discourse" ; also to many other gentlemen, who have taken a lively interest in this enterprize. Newport, E. I, 1853. T 1 [RO T @, Description of Aquedneck, now Rhode Island 17 Settlement of the Island 18 Names of the First Proprietors 20 Mr. Coddington elected Governor 21 Intolerant Proceedings regarding Religion 2.3 Charter of Ipcorporation 24 Oath of Incorporation ib The Purchase of the Island 25 Fac-simile of Miantunomu's Mark for Signature ib Fac-simile of Cannonicus's Mark for Signature ib Fac-simile of Wonimenatony's Mark for Signature — 26 Death of Governor Nicholas Easton 28 Laying out the town of Newport '29 Public School Instituted 30 Appointment of Sblicitor and Attorney-General ib Mr. "William Dyre appointed Attorney-General 31 Mr. Hugh'Biirt appointed Solicitor-General ib The Island Independent 32 Encouragement of Settlers 34 A Seal appointed for the State 35 First Arrival of Quakers on the Island 36 Massachusett'S| Intolerance and Cruelty 37 First Quarterly Meeting of Friends in New England 39 Middletown Asylum ih The Last of the Sect of Gortonians 40 First Insolvency on the Island 41 County Jail Erected 42 Death of Cannonicus, the Indian Sachem ib viii contents. Aquedneck Indians *3 Philip of Mount Haup, an Indian Sachem 44 Death of Miantunomu, Chief Sachem of the Narragansett Indians. 45 Death of Canonchet, Son of Miantunomu , 47 First Charter of Incorporation from the British Crown 48 Character of Roger Williams 49 Longevity of the First Settlers of the Island 53 Shortness of Supply and Dearness of Provisions 54 Mr. William Brenton, President of the Colony 55 Death of Mr. Brentoh 56 A Bellman Chosen 57 A Seal Procured for the Town, with the Device of a Sheep 58 The Town of Newport Surveyed, in 1782 ib The Cod Fishery in Newport ib Easton's Point 59 Peter Pylatt, a negro, executed for a Rape 60 Colony House Built .'. 61 First Market-house Erected ib Circus, for Equestrian Performances, Opened 62 The Crewless Vessel 63 Execution of Pirates 64 Names of Pirates Executed 65 First Discovery of Block Island ib Death of William Jeffray, supposed to have been one of King Charles the First's Judges 66 Distressing Accident , 67 Mr. John Clarke, and the Charter of 1663 68 The Reception of the Charter by the People of Newport 72 Seal of the Colony 73 The Chair of State , 74 A Tale of Times Past, — an Ode on the Chair of State ib Laws passed by the General Assembly in 1663-4 76 Arrest of Mr. John Clarke 77 Mr. Holmes Suffered Flogging for Conscience-sake 78 Death of Mr. John Clarke jl Bequest of Mr. John Clarke irg Judge Samuel Clarke on contents. ix The Commercial Relations of Newport 81 The West India Trade 83 Custom-House Records 84 Custom-House Instructions 85 Amount of Molasses Imported 86 Warrant for Sale of Goods 87 Power of Attorney 88 Flight of Mr. Rome for Protection, on the Stamp Act Excitement, to a British Man of War 89 Henry Collins, Esq. 90 Market-house Erected in Newport 91 Charles Dudley, Esq., Collector of Customs, flies for Refuge on board a Man-of-war 92 Loss of the Brig" Dolphin," 93 Loss of the Privateer " Tay," 94 Events in the War with France 95 Capture of Louisburgh, and the Surrender of the Island of Cape Breton by the British ib War Declared by England against France 96 Samuel Cranston, Esq 97 Horrid Butchery by Pirates ib Return of S. Cranston, Esq., from Piratical Slavery 97 Death of Governor Cranston 99 The Marine Society Instituted 100 Masonic Fraternity in Newport 101 Origin of the Decatur Family 102 Slave Trade in Newport 103 Slaver of G. and F. Malborn ib Annual Election of a Governor by the Slaves 104 Treatment of Slaves in Newport ^ ib Remarks on Slavery 106 Rejoicings on the Repeal of the Stamp Act 110 Linen Manufacture Carried on in Newport Ill Extracts from Funeral Sermon on Mrs. Wanton 112 Genealogy of the Malborn and Brinley Families 115 Church Erected in Brooklyn, Connecticut 116 Attack of Minute-Men on Comm "ssaiy George Brinley 118 X contents. Record of Edward Brinley's Recovery, after being shot through the Body with a Ramrod 120 Extract from the Will of Mrs. Sarah Reape 122 Literary and Philosophical Institution Established 123 Redwood Library Erected 125 Presentation of Books to Redwood Library, by the English King 125 Dr. E. W. Channing, on Redwood Library 126 Bishop Atterbury's Character of Bishop Berkley 126 ' Interesting Letter of Bishop Berkley 127 Poem, by Bishop Berkley, " On the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America" 128 Bishop Berkley's Description of the Hanging Rocks, situated near Sachusett Bay 129 Death of Bishop Berkley 130 Elegant Country and Town Residences 132 Description of the Splendid Mansion of Col. Godfrey Malborn ib Col. Malbom's Residence Destroyed by Fire, in 1766 133 Ancient Mode of Cooking Dunfish 134 First Fire Engine in Newport , 135 Samuel Elam, Esq., of Vaucluse 136 On the Aristocratic Feelings of the Inhabitants of Newport 137 Sale, and Destruction of the " Endeavor," the Ship in which Capt. Cooke circumnavigated the Globe 138 Cundall's Mills ib Mr. Cundall Perishes in a Severe Snow Storm 139 Lawton's Valley 140 Count Seguin's Views on Seeing Newport ib Count Seguin's Description of Miss Polly Leighton 141 Ball given to the Ladies of Newport, by the French OfScers 142 Memoirs of the Ward Family j43 Richard Ward Elected Governor j44 Commencement of the Political Strife, between Samuel Ward and Stephen Hopkins jl Propositions for Peace, made by Jlr. Hopkins 1 45 Monument to Richard Ward, Esq -ia-t A Packet-ship Captured by a Refugee-boat 24g Recapture of Packet-ship, by Capt. Nicholas Webster ib contents. xi One Young Man, and Six Young Women, Accidentally Drowned. 149 Franklin's Printing Press ib Death of Governor Caleb Carr 150 The Artists of Newport 151 The Newport Bar , 154 Messrs. Johnson, Martin Howard, jun., and Dr. Moffat, (Stamp- Masters,) Hung and Burnt in Effigy 156 Gift of « Liberty-Tree Lot" to the Town, by Mr. William Reed. . 157 Mr. William Channing, Attorney-General 158 Judge Lightfoot, in Newport 159 The Medical Faculty 160 Charter Granted to the Artillery Company 163 Importation of Fish 163 Attractions of Newport for Fishing 164 Fishing Places, and Anecdotes connected therewith 165 Account of a Remarkable Darkness which occurred, hence called the"Dark Day," 166 Great Snow Storm and Intense Cold 167 TheStone Mill 168 The Northmen, descended from the Scandinavians, supposed to have Erected the Stone Mill, prior to the time of Columbus, ib Extract from the Will of Mr. Edward Pelham, respecting the Stone Mill 170 Analysis of the Cement or Mortar, used in the Stone Mill 171 Purgatory, near Newport, said to have no bottom, proved a fallacy 172 David Melville, Esq., on the Stone Mill ib Letter from C. C. Rafn, Esq., R.S.N.A., at Copenhagen, relative to the Stone Mill 173 Tradition current among the Indians, of a Visit from White Men in Remote Ages • 178 The Descendants of Abraham 179 Mr. Aaron Lopez Drowned in Scott's Pond ib Mr. Touro's Munificent Gift to Repair Redwood Library 180 Honorable Conduct of Abraham Rod. Riviera, a Jewish Merchant , ib Death of Mr. Moses Lopez, the Last Resident Jew in Newport. . 181 Re-opening of the Jewish Synagogue 182 Anecdote of a Lady and her Lover, at Hog Hole ib Xii CONTENTS. First Equestrian Performances on Rhode Island 183 The Rev. Marmaduke Brown, Elected to Trinity Church ib Memoir of the Hon. Arthur Brown, LL.D 184 Memoir of Baron Kinsale, of Ireland, (a native of Newport) 185 Memoir of the Rev. William Rogers, D.D 186 Memoir of the Auchmuty Family 187 Memoir of the Minturn Family. 189 Memoir of Admiral Sir Charles Wager 192 Sir Charles Wager runs down a Privateer Schooner 193 Anecdote of Capt. Hull and Admiral Wager 194 P-E«gits in the Revolution 195 The Passing of the Infamous Stamp Act , 196 Dr. Franklin's Prediction respecting the Stamp Act 197 Associations formed in Newport, to use no goods imported from England 198 Seizure of two Vessels and a Sloop, belonging to Connecticut. . . 199 Destruction of the British Sloop " Liberty," by the Populace of Newport 200 Boston Port Bill, Passed by the British Parliament 201 Resolutions at a Town Meeting in Newport 202 Newport Harbor, a Rendezvous for the British Navy 203 Surrender of Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain, to the Continental Troops 204 A Regiment Raised in Newport ib Three hundred Minute-men Arrived, and Prevented the Seizure of CatUe 205 Treaty between Admiral Wallace and the Town of Newport. ib Mr. Martin wantonly Shot by the British, whilst standing at his own door 206 Mr J Edward Wanton Converted to Quakerism 207 Mr. John Wanton Elected Governor ib Letter from Hon. Stephen Hopkins, to the Northern Part of the Colony 208 Arrest of Tories, by General Lee 209 Commencement of the Siege of Quebec 210 Attack on the British Fleet in Newport Harbor, by Col. Richmond 211 Prize Sloop Taken by Capt. Grimes, and sent to Providence 212 contents. XUl Retreat of the American Army from the Island 213 British Troops Quartered upon the Inhabitants 214 Anecdote of Mr. Anthony 215 Tyrannical Conduct of General Prescott ib Seizure of General Prescott, by Colonel Barton 216 Quako Honyman, a negro, guide to Colonel Barton ib Seizure of Major Barrington 217 Gen. Prescott Cow-hided by a Pomfret Landlord ib Imprisonment and Liberation of Colonel Barton 218 Secret Expedition of General Spencer against Rhode Island 219 Surrender of General Burgoyne ib Secret Correspondence at Little Compton 220 Arrival of the French Fleet, under Count D'Estaign 221 Atrocity of William Crosson, a Refugee 223 Murder of Judge Taggart's Son 223 The " Languedoc," French Ship, Dismasted 224 Great Snow Storm, called the " Hessian Storm," 225 The Treaty of 1778'. 226 Severe Action at Butt's Hill 228 Retreat of the Americans, under General Sullivan 229 Rhode Island taken Possession of by the British 230 Burning of the Barracks at Fort Adams 231 The Records of the Town of Newport, returned to the Authorities by Gen. - Carlton 231 Houses Destroyed by the British 232 Disaffected Persons Banished 233 Arrival of the Oneida Indians at Newport 234 Arrival of General Washington at Newport " 235 Address of the Citizens to Gen. Washington 236 Gen. Washington's Answer to the Address 237 Execution of a French Artilleryman 238 De^th of the Chevalier de Fayello. . : 239 The Supremacy and Independence of the United States, acknow ledged by England 239 Memoir of Francis Melborn, Sen 240 Anecdote of John Murphy 241 Anecdote of Capt. Hood, of Newport 242 XIV contents. Escape of Capt. Reed from a Prison Ship 243 Death of Orandall, the Tory 244 Capture of the British Privateer " Tartar," ib Capture of the British Store-ship "Elephant," ib Brutal Murder by the British 246 Estimate of the Population in 1774 ib Application of Refugees to Settle 247 Remarks on Past Events 248 Election of Corporate Officers 249 ^'Votes on the Constitution 250 Introduction of Paper Money 251 Paper Money made a Legal Tender 252 Money Difficulties 253 Provision made for Transfer of United States' Stock 254 Slavery of Colored People Abolished 255 Washington's Prophetic Warning ' 256 Fallacy of Abolitionism 257 Foreign Trade of Newport 258 Packet Accommodation ib Uncle Tom Townsend's Coffee-house 259 Loss of the Spanish Brig ¦' Minerva,'' 260 War Declared with Britain 261 Arrival of the British Frigate " Macedonia," as a Prize 262 Battle of Lake Erie 263 Address of Commodore Perry to his Seamen 264 Defeat of the British Fleet 265 Anecdote of a Newport Boy 266 Capture of a Fort at New Providence 267 Embargo placed on the Shipping 268 Fort Green Taken Possession of by the American Army 269 Reminisoenses of Dartmoor Prison, England 270 High Price of Provisions jj. Success of the War 071 Death of Commodore Perry , 072 Dreadful Gale | _ 073 Remarkable Deposit of Salt 074 Charitable Institutions 075 contents. XV Savings' Bank Established 276 Asylum for the Poor Voted for 277 Coaster's Harbor Island Selected for the Site of the Asylum 278 Erection of Public School, No. 1, 280 School Fund Instituted 281 Reading of the Declaration of Independence 282 Remarks on Independence Day 283 Memoir of General C. T. James... 284 The Asiatic Cholera 285 Population Statistics, in 1850 ^ 286 Portsmouth Asylum Erected 287 Discovery of Coal in Newport 288 Heart Fire Club Established 289 Fires, from 1749 to 1848 290 Remarks on the Narragansett Indians 293 Civil and Religious Liberty in Rhode Island 294 Assent to the Constitution , 297 Dr. Mather's Views of the People of Newport 298 Sovereignty of the People 299 Distribution of Public Lands 309 Dr. Waterhouse on the Salubrity of the Climate of Rhode Island, 301 List of Presidents and Governors of the Colony 303 Appendix : — Trinity Church, Newport 307 Queen Anne Presents a Bell to Trinity Church 308 Arrival of Bishop Berkley at Newport 310 Bishop Berkley's Bequest to Yale College 311 Mr. Kay's Bequest for a School 312 Death of the Rev. Mr. Honyman 313 ^ Rhode Island Taken Possession of by the British 314 Dissentions in the Church 315 The First and Second Congregational Church 318 The Rite of Baptism Refused by the Rev. Mr. Clap ib Extracts from Funeral Sermon on the Rev. Mr. Clap 320 On Rev. Mr. Clap's Di.ssentions with his Congregation 321 New Church Organized 322 First Baptist Church in Newport, and in America 330 Dr. Moffatt's Epitaph on the Rev. John Callendar 337 XVI CONTENTS. Second Baptist Church 339 Society of Friends, or Quakers 342 Sabbatarian, or Seventh-Day Baptist Church. '. 343 The Moravians, or United Brethren 346 The Fourth Baptist Church 347 The Methodist Society 348 The Colored Union Church 349 The Catholic Church of St. Joseph ib Second Episcopal Parish 350 The Unitarian Congregational Church 352 Churches of the Christian Denomination 353 The Friends' Meeting-House 354 The Central Baptist Church, Newport ib List of Subscribers 357 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. THE ISLAND OF AQUEDNECK, NOW EHODE ISLAND. " My lovely island home, I love thy sea-girt shore, Thy rocks and sunny hills, And foaming billows' roar. The harvest proudly waves, And gently fan each breeze, The sweet birds hover round the spot, And warble in the trees. ' To thee my memory tarns, In sorrow and in care : My native island home, I lova to linger there. My home o'er the dark-blue sea, Thy charms shall near depart ; ¦ But linger round my memory, And twine about my heart." The Island of Aquedneck, now Ehode Island, from whence the State derives its name, was so called from the celebrated Isle of Ehodes, in the Mediterranean Sea. It is fifteen miles in length, and about three miles and a half in width. Its bay, or harbor, is universally acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world, being easy of access at all seasons of the year. A number of small islands lie near, covered with the richest ver dure ; viz. : — Goat Island, directly opposite the town, which was ibrmerly garrisoned, but is at present in a dismantled and 18 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. dilapidated state. The first fort erected on this island, was built by the proceeds of the tenth, or King's part of the priva teers captured by him. Eose Island, once fortified, but now in ruins. Cannonicut, lying west, on which is Fort Dumpling, erected under the administration of the elder Adams, but never occupied as a fortress ; with Prudence and Gould Island, at the north, present a pleasing and highly picturesque scenery. On the southern extremity, it is bounded by the broad At lantic, whose heaving billows, so grand and imposing, are every way suited to convey a just impression of the power and majesty of that Divine Being, who "directs the whirlwind and the storm." At its northern extremity stands out, in bold relief. Hog Island, with Mount Haup in the distance, once the residence of Philip, the King of the Wanpanouages. On the north-east, a stone bridge, one-quarter of a mile long, connects the island with the main. At this point also, the scenery is pleasing and attractive. The climate is salubrious, and its soil rich and fertile ; producing every variety to be found in northern latitudes. The island was once covered with a heavy growth of timber, at the period when the Indian was its lawful proprietor, and the sound of the war-whoop rung from out the forest, and reverberated through the vallies, and his bow and arrowy supplied him with deer and fowl, which were then abundant. Such is a faint sketch of this island, of •which Mr. Neal justly observes, p. 595, that it is deservedly esteemed the Paradise of New England. " Dear Isle of my birth, sweetest gem of the sea, Now summer revisits thy shore ; My heart's best affection, turns fondly to thee. Oh, when shall I greet thee once more !" THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND. We are now approaching a subject of deep and vital interest to the inhabitants of the island. When our forefathers fled the fatherland, for the sake of enjoying Uberty of conscience, and to worship God in more scriptural simplicity, — this was the motive which prompted them to forego the pleasures of kindred SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND. 19 and home, and cross the Atlantic, and here, in this western world, erect temples to the worship of Almighty God. And, to the honor of the first settlers of this island, be it said, that they possessed, in a much higher degree, the principles of civil and religious liberty, than were to be found in any other portion of New England. They had felt the strong arm of oppression in their native land, and had no wish or desire to see it per petuated in their new home, which, alas, was too painfully witnessed in many portions of the colonies. There was a consistency in their belief and practice, and to this day there is to be found on the island more of a truly Eepubhcan spirit than exists in other sections of New England. It is to be attri buted to the impress left by the original settlers of the island, that this mark of distinction still exists. We shall have occa sion, as we advance in our work, to draw a contrast between Clarke and Coddington with the settlers of other sections ; shew ing their great superiority, and the extent of their knowledge in framing laws for the regulation of the settlement. We shall labor to avoid falling into a deep-rooted prejudice, and present the truth in all its bearings, so far as the materials furnished for a history will permit. It cannot, however, be disguised, that full justice has never been awarded to these noble patriots, whose devotion in the sacred cause of civil and religious free dom, has never been surpassed. The decline of commerce on the island, owing in a great measure to the calamities growing out of the American revolu tion, has thrown the ancient metropohs quite into the shade. None has had the moral courage, and the patient industry, to present her claims to the world as they justly deserve ; and her history has consequently been almost lost. ¦ We could have wished that the task had devolved on some one better qualified, and whose pecuniary means would have placed them in a situation, to have done ample justice to the subject. But, as no one has stepped forth, to rescue the events of the past from oblivion, we have been constrained, from the strong attach ment which we hold to the place of our birth, to furnish the world with such evidence of the past history of Newport, as iff to be obtained from records, and from tradition, which, we flatter ourselves, will be both pleasing and acceptable to our readers. 20 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. We find on the 7th day of March, 1637, the names of eighteen men, who had taken up their residence on Aquedneck, now Ehode Island, viz. : William Coddington, Thomas Savage, John Clarke, WilUam Dyre, William Hutchinson, William Freebome, John Coggeshall, Philip Shearman, William Aspinwall, John Walker, Samuel Wilbour,, Eichard Carder, John Porter, WilUam Baulston, John Sanford, Edward Hutchinson, Edward Hutchinson, jun. Henry Bull, Eandall Houldon. This last person, Eandall Houldon, we presume, soon left, as we find his name not mentioned in the records, as being one of the first proprietors of the island. These names were, however, taken from a fac-simile in tho author's possession. The first settlement on the island, was commenced at its northern extremity, where a town was regularly laid out, and first named Pocasset, subsequently Portsmouth. It is that part of the island known as New-Town. But so rapid was the increase of the Colony, during the following summer, that it was deemed advisable for their mutual prosperity, to commence a settlement on some other part of the island. Accordingly, in the following spring, Mr. Clarke, with several others, removed to the south part of the island, and commenced a settlement in or about what is now called Tanner-street, formerly New-Town, to which they gave the name of Newport. The island itself, subsequently, by order of the General Court, was called the' Isle of.Ehodes, or Ehode Island, in memory, as before remarked, of that celebrated isle of the Mediterranean Sea. Both towns w(!re united under the same simple patriarchal form of govern ment, of which Mr. Wilham Coddington was chosen magistrate, or judge. A few months subsequently they chose Mr. John Coggeshall, Nicholas Easton, and William Brenton, to act as his assistants. Mr. Coggeshall was descended from an ancient and respectable family in England. He came to this country with Mr. Coddington, in 1630, and was admitted a freeman of the town of Boston in 1632. He was a member of the first Board of Selectmen, of Boston, and represented the town in MR. CODDINGTON ELECTED GOVERNOR. 21 General Court in 1634-5-6, and the spring session of 1637, but was disfranchised for conscience toward God, that same year. His disfranchisement, with others, created great discontent among his friends, which led to their removal, and finally to the settlement of the island. Mr. Coggeshall enjoyed the confi dence of the colony of Ehode Island, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1647, he was President of the Colony. He lies in the Coggeshall burial place, a little south of Newport. The following is the inscription on his tombstone : Here lieth the Body of JOHN COGGESHALL, Sen., Esa., Who died, the Fibst Pbesidbnt of the Colony, the 27th of November, 1647, Aged about 56 years. His descendants are still numerous on the island ; and many of them are among our most respectable citizens. He was a man of a large estate, known as Coggeshall Neck. Mr. Coddington came to this country with Governor Hutch inson, having been appointed in 1629, by the British govern ment, one of the Assistants of the Massachusetts colony. He engaged in mercantile business in Boston, and built the first Irick house in that town. But, notwithstanding all the facilities he there enjoyed of promoting his own temporal prosperity, yet he chose to relinquish all of them, for the sake of religious freedom. Accordingly, in 1638, with the beloved Clarke, and sixteen others, he left the colony of Massachusetts, and com menced the settlement of Ehode Island ; and was, by his com panions in tribulation, unanimously elected chief magistrate, or Judge of the colony, which office he held until the island was incorporated with Prudence and Warwick. In 1651, he was appointed by the supreme authority of England, Governor of the island, pursuant to a power reserved in the patent, by which the island became again separated from the Providence Planta tion, which we shall have occasion to speak of more fully. But the people, jealous of their rights, and fearful that their freedom might be endangered, dispatched Mr. Williams and Mr. Clarke to England, to have it revoked. On receiving due notice from England, Mr. Coddington surrendered up his commission, and retired into private life, when the island again became united with the Plantation. Mr. Coddington was again elected 22 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. Governor of the colony in 1674-75, and 1678, in which year he died, aged 78 years. He is said to have been a man of pro found learning, and assisted in framing the body of laws, which has been the^ basis of our Constitution and government ever since. Governor Coddington was interred in the family burial place, which, at his death, he gave the Society of Friends in Farewell- street, just south of the North Baptist meeting-house. The freemen of Newport, in town meeting, August 30th, 1836, ap pointed a committee to repair the monument at the head of the grave of this distinguished friend and advocate of civil and religious freedom. His likeness, which is still in good preser vation, shews him to have been a most elegant and accomplished gentleman. It may be instructive to read the laws passed by our ances- tors, on the subject of religion. But every good man and lover of his country, blushes at the superstition, bigotry, and intoler ance, with which they were too often tainted. Need we refer to history ? Let us look for a moment to the pilgrim fathers, to the colony at Plymouth. Speaking of them, a judicious writer observes : " Much as we respect that noble spirit which enabled them to part with their native soil — by some held dearer than friends, relatives, or children, and by every generous bosom preferred even to life itself, — we iriust condemn the proceedings which ensued. In the first moment when they began to taste of Christian liberty themselves, they forgot that others had a right to the same enjoyment. Some of the colonists, who had not emigrated through motives of religion, retaining a high venera tion for the ritual of the English church, refused to join the colonial state establishment, and assembled separately to wor. ship. But their objections were not sufi'ered to pass unnoticed, nor unpunished. Endicott called before him the two principal ofienders, and though they were men of respectability, and amongst the number of original patentees, he expelled them from the colony, and sent them home in the first ship returning to England. Had this inquisitorial usurpation been no further exercised, some apology, or at least palliation, might be framed. More interesting and painful consequences, however, not long afterwards, resulted. The very men who had couutenanaed INTOLERANT PROCEEDINGS IN RELIGION 23 this violation of Christian duties, lived to see their descendants excluded from church communion ; to behold their grand children, the smiling infants at the breast, denied the sacred right of baptism !» * * * Coddington, an eminent merchant of Boston, was banished, for holding what they conceived to be erroneous sentiments, and for favoring the views of Mrs. Hutchinson. " The first general court was held at Charlestown, on board the ship Arabella. A law was passed, declaring that none should be admitted as freemen, or be entitled to any share in the government, or even to serve as jurymen, except those who had been received as members of the church ; by which mea sure, every person whose mind was not of a particular structure, or accidentally impressed with peculiar ideas, was at once cast out of society, and stripped of his civic rights. " In 1656, a number of Quakers, ha^dng arrived from England and Barbadoes, and given ofi"ence to the clergy of the estab lished church, by the novelty of their religion, at that time, certainly, a little extravagant, were imprisoned, and by the first opportunity sent away. A law was then made, which prohib ited masters of vessels from bringing any Quakers into Massa chusetts, and themselves from coming there, under a penalty, in case of a return from banishment, as high as death. In con sequence of this several were hanged. Toleration was preached against, as a sin in rulers, that would bring down the judgment of heaven upon the land. Mr. Dudley died with a copy of verses in his pocket, of which the two following lines make a part : ' Let men of God, in court and churches watch, O'er such as do a toleration hatch.' The Anabaptists were the next object of persecution. Many were disfranchised, and some banished." Ame)-ican Quarterly Review, June, 1835. The principles which governed the early settlers of the island of Ehode Island, embraced all of every sect, whether Jew or Gentile. The last of the original purchasers and proprietors of this island, was Henry Bull, Esq., who died in 1693, aged 84 years. He held various public oflSces in the colony, from its first settle ment, until a few years before his death. He was Governor of 24 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. the colony in 1685, after which, being at a very advanced age, he relinquished public employment, to end his days in domestic peace ; but after the revolution in England, the colony charter having been vacated, and Ehode Island put under the grant of Sir Edmund Andros, who held it until the spring of 1689 ; he was induced again to come forward into public life, thereby shewing a moral courage which was wanting in others.' The house erected by Governor Bull, in Newport, is of stone, and still standing on the east side of Spring-street, near the junction of Broad-street. It was, in 1642, used as a place of defense against the attacks of the Indians. Governor Bull lies buried in the Coddington burial place, where a plain and unostentatious slab, points the passing stranger to the spot where sleep the mouldering ashes of this bold and fearless patriot. His descendants are now in posses sion of the patrimonial estate of their ancestor. The character of the men who have already been brought into view, proves them to have been actuated by the best mo tives, in their attempts to found this colony. They recognized a superintending Providence, as will appear in the original charter of the American Isle of Ehodes : " We, whose names are underwritten, do swear, solemnly, in the presence of the Great Jehovah, to incorporate ourselves into a body politic ; and He shall help us, — will submit our persons, lives, and estates, unto the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords ; and to all those perfect laws of his, given us in his most holy word of truth, to be guided and judged thereby. (" Signed,) William Coddington, Eichard Carder, John Clarke, William Baulston, William Dyre, Edward Hutchinson, William Freeborn, WiUiam Hutchinson, PhiHp Shearman, Henry Bull, John Walker, John Coggeshall." Samuel Wilbour, ' » And six others, whose names have already been mentioned. Such were the principles, and such the sentiments, which dis tinguished the men, who first planted civil and religious liberty in this western worid. We shall have occasion to dwell more THE PURCHASE OF THE ISLAND. 25 at length on the, dignity of their character, as we progress in the history of the island. The subject opens a wide field for reflection. It proves what men are capable of doing, under the influence of moral and christian principles. Their object in coming to this continent was not merely to acquire gain, as^is too apt to be the case with all adventurers, but rather to establish a refuge from persecution, where each should have the liberty of enjoying his opinion without fear ; and even at this day, after a period of more than two centuries, there is possessed by the inhabitants of the island, more liberty than is enjoyed by any other portion of the State. The cause we shall attempt to show by and by, which will convince the mind of the impartial reader, that the position here assumed is correct. THE PURCHASE OF THE ISLAND. Without adverting to this subject, it would look as though the early settlers took possession of it by conquest, without afibrding the native Indians any remuneration for their lands. But so far from this, they actually purchased the island, as will appear by the receipt given by the two Sacems : " 22nd November, 1639. " Eeceived by me, Miantunomu, of Mr. WilUam Coddington, and his friends united, twenty and three coats, and thirteen hoes, to be distributed to the Indians that do inhabit the island of Aquedneck, in full of all promises, debts, and demands, for the said island, as also two-torkepes. " Mian " In the conveyance on ^ my book. I Witness, \ Amempsucke, j Wampaminaquitt. "j Can Ufhr?!> nonicus.' 26 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded by me, " John Sanford, Recorder.^' [Colony Eecords.] " The 1 1th of May, 1639, Eeceived by me, Miantunomu, (as a gratuity,) of Mr. Coddington, and his friends united, for my pains and travel,in removing the natives off the island of Aqued neck, ten fathoms of wampum peage, and one broad-cloth coat. Mian I " A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded by " " John Sanford, Recorder.'" " June 20th, 1639, Eeceived of Mr. WiUiam Coddington, and of his friends united, in full satisfaction of ground broken up, . or any other title or claim whatsoever, formerly had of the island of Aquedneck, the full sum of five fathoms of wampum " WoNiMENATONY, )( hls mark." Witness, Wm. CowUng, Eichard Sawell.' .... \ " A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded by me, " John Sanford, Recorder." The other seventeen joint purchasers of Aquedneck, whose names are mentioned, expressed their dissatisfaction that the Indian title to the island of Ehode Island, stood in the name of WiUiam Coddington, and to pacify them, he executed an instrument, giving them an equal share with himself Mr, Coddington had no selfish wish to gratify : " I, the said WilUam Coddington, Esq., have no more in the purchase of right, than either of the purchasers or freemen received, or shaU be received in by them, but only for my own proportion. purchase op THE ISLAND. 27 " In witness hereof, I have put to my hand, this 14th of April, 1652. " William Coddington " " Signed in the presence of, Eobert Knight, George Muning.' of, ^ light, V uning." 5 " A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded the 7th of A.pril, 1673. " John Sanford, Recorder." [Colony Eecords.J We think that great injustice has been done the aborigines of this country : whether our fathers viewed them as inferiors, and undeserving of their respect and kindness, it is self evident that their conduct has been unbecoming, and every way calcu lated to foster revenge in the breast of the red men of the forest. They are a noble race, and their conduct would often put to the blush civiUzed man, who stoops to acts of meanness which would not be tolerated for a moment in savage life. Their sufferings have been great ; driven from the homes of their fathers, and compelled to take up their abode in a strange land, so affected them with the deepest anguish, as to prove that their sympathies are as great, and their susceptibiUties of right as keen as those of ours. To the praise of the settlers of the island, they were never hostile to the Indians, as were some of the colonists, which we shall have occasion to notice. It should be remembered that they were the rightful owners of the soil, while we have usurped it. Never do we look on the countenance of the Indian, with out reverence and respect, for they are nature's noblemen ; but it has ever been with the " pale faces," agreeably with the sentiments of the poet Wordsworth : "The good old plan, — That they should get who have the power, And they should keep who can." Of the original settlers of the island, we find that William Hutchinson died on the island. The other Hutchinson, Aspin wall, and Savage, went back and got reconciled to the Massa- 28 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. chusetts colony. In March, 1641, Carder, Houlden, and Porter' were disfranchised. E. Houlder settled in Warwick ; from him have descended the numerous family of Houldens in this State. Nicholas Easton arrived in New England, with his two sons. May 14th, 1634. He first settled at Ipswich, and was a deputy to the General Court. The next year he removed to New burg, and afterwards to Hampton, where he built the first house. In 1638, in consequence of the religious intolerance, he removed to Ehode Island, and settled in Portsmouth. The next year he removed to Newport, where he built the first house. It stood where the house now stands belonging to the heirs of the late. Jonathan Southwick, iu FareweU-street. As late as 1641, the Indians burnt the house of Nicholas Easton, on Lord's day, by kindUng a fire on his lands. It alarmed the people, and, among other measures, they fitted out an armed boat, to ply round the island, to prevent the Indians from land ing. They Ukewise appointed garrison houses, to which the people were to repair on an alarm. But the rupture lasted not long, before peace was restored. Nicholas Easton and his two sons, Peter and John, on their way to the south part of the island, in a boat, landed on a small island, which they called Coaster's Harbor. Mr. Easton and Mr. Clarke were appointed to write to Mr. Vane, and direct him about the obtaining of a patent of the island from his Majesty. The neck of land by Mr. Easton's house, was ordered to be sufficiently fenced, and to remain as a common field belonging to the town. Governor Easton died in 1675. John Easton was the son of Governor Nicholas Easton, who came to Ehode Island with his father and brother, soon after the settlement, as before remarked. He was, for fifteen years. Attorney- General of the Colony. In 1674 and 1675, he was elected Deputy- Governor. He died on the 12th December, 1705, aged 88 years, and was buried in the Coddington burial- place. The family have been highly respectable, and, until within a few years, quite numerous. Governor Easton was an extensive landholder, and some of the original property is now in the possession of his descendants. We have already observed, that the settlement of Newport laying out THE TOWN. 29 began in what is now called Tanner-street, and extended through to Marlborough-street. Here stood Governor Cod- dington's house, one of the oldest, and which remained until within a few years, when it was unfortunately pulled down," much to the regret of many of the present inhabitants. It should have been preserved, as a memento of the past. There was g, degree of generosity displayed, in laying out the town, as we learn from the records : " At a General meeting it was ordered, that the home aUot- ments shall be four acres apiece, laid out conveniently -v^here the ground ' affords, and that Mr. Coddington shall have six acres for an orchard." The original estate of Governor Coddington, in Newport, embraced all the land between Malborough, Farewell, North ^ Baptist, and Thames streets. His mansion stood in Mal borough, fronting Duke-street. " It was ordered that the town shall be laid out, and built on\both sides of the Spring, and by the sea-side southward," (now Thames street.) This spring runs through Tanner-street, a little below the jail, and empties into the harbor. The source of this river is Vaughn's Pond, a little north-west of Broad- street. At one period it flowed so rapid as to propel a water mill, which was erected within eight years of the formation of the settlement, in what is now known as Malborough-street. One of the miU-stones lays in front of the steps to the house of the late Benjamin Pierce, Esq. This portion of the town was originally a swamp, and the flow of water, within the memory of some of the older inhabitants, was much more abundant than at the present time. As the town increased in population, improvements continued to be made, in the way of fiUing up and making land. The flow of the ocean at the first settlement, extended north of Elm- street on the Point. Bridge-street is made land, as is also Washington to Bridge. Before the extension of the long wharf, and the south part of Washington-street was made, it was an open passage to the Cove. Gravelly Point was then surrounded by water. Vessels of ninety, and even one hundred tons were formerly built in the Cove. Subsequently, the ingress and egress to 30 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. and from the Cove, was through a drawbridge, twenty-six feet wide. It is now only navigable for small boats. It was the intention, originally, to have made Thames-street, equal in width to the houses which stand back from the street, viz. : the Atkinson, Cotton, &c. ; why they encroached on the street to its present narrow limits, no good and sufficient reason can be offered. " 1640, — Eev. Eobert Lenthel, was, by a vote, called to keep a public school for the learning of youth, and for his encourage ment, there was granted him and his heirs, one hundred acres of land, and four more for a house lot, in Newport. It was also voted, that one hundred acres should be laid forth, aud appropriated for a school, for encouragement of the poorer sort to train up their youth in learning ; and Mr. Lenthel, while he continues to teach school, is to have the benefit thereof" Thus, at an early period, the reader will perceive, that the attention of the first settlers was directed to the subject of education. Children were not permitted to grow up " like the wild ass's colt," without moral culture, and to pay no deference and respect to their superiors in age, and in knowledge. With all the means and facilities of education, now enjoyed, there is evidently a want of attention to the moral qualities of the mind, which alone make the good man and the good citizen. In May, 1650, the Legislature, by the following act, first created the offices of Attorney and Solicitor-General of the Colony, viz : — " It is ordered that this Court appoint one Attorney- General for the Colony, as also a Solicitor. That the Attorney-General shaU have fuU power to implead any transgression of the State, in any court in the State, but especially to bring all such mat ters of penal laws, to the trial of the General Court of trials, as also for the trial of the officers of the State, at the General Assemblies ; and to implead, in fuU power and authority of the free people of this State, their prerogatives and liberties ; and because envy, the cut-throat of all prosperity, wiU not fail to gal- lopmth its full career,let the said Attorney be faithfully engaged, and authorized, and encouraged, engaged for the people, by, or in the people's name, and with their fuU authority assisted, authorized that upon information of transgressions and transgressors of the APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY AND SOLICITOR-GENERAL. 31 laws, prerogatives, and liberties of the people, and these penal laws, he shall underhand and seal, take forth summons from the President or General Assistant, to command any deUnquent, or vehemently suspected of delinquency, in what kind soever, according to the premises, to appear at the General Court, if it be thereunto belonging, or to the General Assembly in those matters proper thereunto ; and if any refuse to appear at that mandamus, in the State of England's name, and the people of this State, he shall be judged guilty, and so proceeded against by fine and penalty, " It is ordered, that in case of prohibitions, (any concerning guns, powder, lead, &c, it being proved that such and such, or any one, had a gun, &c.,) or the Solicitor, bona fide., in his own knowledge, do know or can swear, &c., that such a one was pos sessed of a gun, &c., as his own proper goods, and upon demand of the Solicitor, cannot produce or cannot give a good account of what has become of it, before one or two persons, or the Attorney, he shall be judged guilty of the breach of the law, and to be accordingly dealt withal ; and that the law shall extend to inquiry, especially to guns and other prohibitions, as powder, shot, lead, wine, or liquors, that hath been merchandized or con veyed away to the Indians, since the law made on that subject." And the people, by general ticket, elected in May, 1 650, William Dyre, Attorney- General, and Hugh Burt, Solicitor- General. Mr. Dyre was one of the original settlers, and owned the farm north of Easton's Point, at present owned by Charles Hunter, Esq., of the TJ. S. N. Mr. Dyre was highly re spected for his talents, which is clearly shown by his appoint ment to so important an office as that of Attorney-General of the Colony. He also held a commission from the English Govern ment, as Surveyor and Searcher-General. His commission ex tended to New- York. Mr. Dyre, in the active part which he took with Wm. Cod dington, in advocating and justifying the separation of the Islands from the Plantation, incurred the hatred and the dis pleasure of the people in that section. But there was no just and valid cause, why he should be charged with a " want of public spirit, and being ruined by party purposes," in his adhe- rance to Mr, Coddington. He no doubt acted conscientiously, 32 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND aa did Mr. Coddington, beUeving in the then present condition of affairs, that it would prove for the interest of the Islands to maintain a separate and distinct form of government. The jealousy of the Plantations, was, however, awakened, and it called forth the indignation of some of the leaders, as appears by Staple's " History of Providence," who looked on the measure as a gross insult offered to the people of the North. Mr. Dyre felt called upon to uphold a government with such an able leader as Coddington, a man of unblemished reputation, and whose reasons for his course of conduct, were founded on the immutable principle of right. And whatever invidious reflections may be cast on the meas ures of these men, it will only recoil on the heads of those who made them. The charge preferred against Mr. Dyre being actuated by sinister motives, had no doubt its rise in that feel ing of jealousy before mentioned, which existed between the Plantations and the Islands, which were independent, and which owed no allegiance, only to the Prince. There is but one male descendant of Mr. Dyre, now Uving in Newport. It wiU be seen that the manner of speUing the name is different from those in other parts of the State, which shows that there was no connection between them. Mr. Dyre's grave is to be found on the Dyre farm, for by that name it has always been known, as the inhabitants of New port respect and venerate antiquity. It was ordered that " Persicus, the Indian Sachem, shaU have liberty to get as many chesnut bush, upon the commons of the Island, as may cover him a wigwam." How humiliating the thought, that the once rightful owners of the island, must now supplicate for permission from the " new-comers," for materials to cover them from the pelting storm ! But these vicissitudes are of every day occurrence, and teach a salutary lesson of the un certainty of aU terrestrial things. In 1651, the inhabitants, on the main, refused submission to Coddmgton's government. THE ISLAND INDEPENDENT. Before we proceed to notice this event, we will go back a lit tle, and show the reader the position which the Island ocan- pied from the settlement in 1638, to 1644. THE ISLAND INDEPENDENT. 33 " The towns of Portsmouth and Newport, erected their own separate governments, independent of that of the Plantations, and there was no political connection between them from the settlement in 1638 to 1644, and during these six years they were independent governments, free from every other power but the mother country. During this period, they enacted many laws, which were the foundation of the future statues and bill of rights, which distinguished the early laws and character of the State and people of Ehode Island, from the other English Colonies in America. For when the government of the Island was united with the Providence Plantations, by the' Charter of 1643, and in General Assembly they enacted laws for the Colony of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, the town of Pro vidence instructed their commissioners to hold correspondence with the whole Colony, ' in the model that hath been lately shown unto us by our worthy friends of the Island.' And it appears that the plan of the government was formed by the people of the Island, and shown to those of Providence, who agreed to adopt them ; and thus from the legislation of the people of the Island, the free institutions emanated." This being an established fact, " that the plan of government formed by the people of the Island," and subsequently adopted by the Plantations, was a virtual admission of the profound wis dom, which dwelt in the minds of the Islanders ; and proves in a word, any or every attempt made to engraft new principles, conflicting with those which they held as most sacred and bind ing, should be resisted at every hazard by the people of the Island, as they valued their peace, Uberty and happiness. The legislative acts, many of which seem to approximate to the former blue laws of Connecticut, and which is in direct con flict with the letter and spirit of the laws which originated from the Island, and which were made the basis of the government of the State, has led us to doubt the propriety of ever having formed an aUiance with the Plantations after the Island had once become independent. For however tolerant the Island may be in the execution of laws, associated and confederated as they are with the Plantations, involves them in the disgrace and obloquy of sanctioning such arbitrary measures as are in force in the Plantations. To obviate the difficulty as far as possible, the Islanders 34 ' HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. should instruct their representatives in General Assembly, to oppose every law introduced into that body, which has the least appearance of despotism, and as aiming to subvert and to over throw the rights and liberties of the people ; and in case of their not doing it, and making it imperative on their legislators to act in accordance with the principles of their fathers, they in fact become a party concerned in upholding such tyrannical and un just measures, which are at war with every principle of moral right. • ENCOUEAGEMENT OF SETTLERS. The proprietors, to encourage the settlement of the Island, sold out at a smaU price, and on easy terms, to such as were in clined to build and to whom they saw fit to admit to ownership of the soil. Those whom they considered turbulent aud unruly, they would not admit to " ownership, or to exercise the privi leges of freemen." A very proper precaution, and calculated to avoid much evil. The spirit which animated the minds of the early settlers of the Island, was enlarged and liberal, and prompted them to render aid and assistance to all worthy per sons who desired to take up their abode with them. In March, 1641, in General Assembly, it was determined unanimously, that this government was a Democracy, saving only the right of the king. And it was ordered that none be ac counted a deUnquent for doctrines, provided it be not repugnant to government estabUshed, which was again confirmed at the next General Court, as follows : " It is ordered that the law of the last Court, made concern ing conscience, in point of doctrine, be perpetuated." Mr. Bull says : " This appears to be the first act aUowing every man free to act and advocate what religious opinions he chooses, and which has highly distinguished the State of Ehode Island." The principles adopted by Clark and Coddington operated Uke leaven in diffusing itself through the minds of the masses, and was the nevxleus, out of which ultimately sprang the Declar ation of American Independence, and the freedom of the Colonies British misrule and oppression. It has been already remarked that the Island had a separate A SEAL FOR THE STATE. 35 form of government for six years. It then become united with the Plantations, but in 1657, William Coddington went to Eng land and procured a commission constituting him Governor, for life, of Ehode Island, of Cannanicut, and Prudence, and these islands again became separated from the towns on the main land. This continued for three years, when they again became united. A SEAL FOR THE STATE. A Seal was ordered to be provided for the State, viz., the government of the islands, with the device of a sheaf of arrows bound up with a motto : " Amor vincit omnia." Love conquers every thing, "In General Court, held at Newport, Sept. 17th, 1641, it was ordered that if any person or persons on the Island, whether freeman or inhabitant, shall by any means, open or covert, en deavor to bring any other power than what is here estabUshed, except it be from our prince, by lawful commission, shall be accounted a delinquent under the head of perjury." The inhabitants living on islands, and consequently being iso lated, and generally clanish in their views and feelings, and more opposed to innovations of every form, than those who live on the main, practices which originated with-the early settlers have been transmitted down to the present generation. The inhabi tants of Newport have felt a reverence for their ancestors which rendered them remarkably sensitive in relation to changes of evey kind, and it is evidence of stability of character which we hope to see perpetuated. We are aware that in this age oi pro gress, it is thought sensible to disdain conventional rules, and long estabUshed usages of antiquity, and to substitute a licen tious course of policy, baptized by the sacred name of Liberty, and thus open wide the floodgates of anarchy and misrule, which wiU ultimately overwhelm us in an avalanche of desolation. To dissent from the popular opinions of the day, would be to place ourselves in battle array with the march of improvement, and consequently subject us to the anathemas and reproaches of the new lights of the age, whose vanity has become so much inflated as to render it almost presumptuous to differ from them, A certain class of men and mind make the " nineteenth cen- 36 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. tury," a frequent topic of eulogistical declamation, not only com- mon.place, but even disgusting to our feeUngs. " Surfeiting is one of the effects of profusion." The spirit which animated our fathers, show that they valued their rights, and the rights of the Colonies, and were disposed to come forward in the hour of exigency, and bare their bosom to the storm, while others with far greater resources, held back through a servile fear. " For when the Colonies of New-Ply mouth, and New Haven, shrunk from the war, unless Massachu setts would support them, which she refused to do, the little island of Ehode Island, threw herself into the breach, and took upon herself the responsibility of authorizing in her name, the defence of Long Island against the Dutch and Indians." Such was the spirit which tired the heart and nerved the arm of our ancestors, and which God grant may be revived in their descendants, and not forever extinguished. Newport, though settled last of the three, had arrived, in the space of eight years, to a degree of wealth and strength as to be equal with the other two. Many houses had been built at that time, and some wharves, and commercial pursuits on a small scale had been entered into. " The trade and business of the town, at first, was very Uttle and inconsiderable, consisting of a Uttle corn, pork, and tobacco, sent to Boston, for a few European and other goods, they could not subsist without, and all at the mercy of the traders thereto. At present there are above one hundred sail of vessels belonging to the town. God grant, that as we increase in num bers and riches, we may not increase in sin and wickedness ; but that we may rather be led by the divine goodness to reform whatever may have been amiss, or wanting among us." Callender^s Historical Discourse. 1654. — This year there was a schism in the Baptist Chlirch, in Newport, — .some of the brethren embracing the opinion that laying on of hands was necessary for all baptized persons. 1656. — .This year, some of the people called Quakers came to this colony, being persecuted and abused in the other colonies, and many of the principal inhabitants embraced their doctrines, among whom were William Coddington, Nicholas Easton, and his two sons; PhiUp Shearman, Adam Matt, and many others. Massachusetts' intolerance. 37 In 1657, the island of Connanicut, or Quaonoquet, was pur- ahased of the Indians. Koskotep, one of the Narragansett Sachems, sells to Thomas Gould, of Newport, Aguspemokick, or Gould Island. 1696. — This year, Coaster's Harbor and Goat Island was conveyed to the town of Newport, for the. sum of ten pounds, by Benedict Arnold ; he having purchased them some years before of the Indians. Conskuet, or Eose Island, (the latter name derived fromi the abundance of wUd roses, which once grew on the island,) was purchased of Mausup, an Indian Sachem, by Peleg Sanford, of Newport. It afterwards became the property of the Giddards, on the Point, and was finally sold by Thomas Giddard, Esq., to the general government, for the sum of $1500. In 1658, at a General Court of Commissioners, an act was passed, declaring the prison building, in Newport, should be the prison for the whole colony. On the 18th of May, an act was passed, to receive peage, (Indian money,) eight for a penny, in payment of all cost of court. MASSACHUSETTS' INTOLERANCE AND CRUELTY. In 1660, Mary Dyre, of Ehode Island, one of the people called Quakers, having returned to Boston,, contrary to the tyrants'' orders, was publicly executed on the 1st of June, agreeably to her former sentence. Mary Dyre was the wife of William Dyre, one of the eighteen associates who first came to Ehode Island. Before their removal from Massachusetts, she was a milliner in Boston, and one of the principal foUowers of the famous Mrs. Hutchinson. The year previous, (the 20th of October,) WiUiam Eobinson, and Marmaduke Ste.phenson, received sentence of death, which was executed upon them the 27th of June. At that time, Mary Dyre was brought with them to the gallows ; but at the inter cession of her son, of Newport, and others, she was reprieved, and sent away. Feeling it to be her duty to visit her friends, she returned again the next spring, aud, as the reader has 38 history or riiode island. been already informed, she was executjjjl under the sanction of men who dare call themselves Christians. She died, however, iu the triumph of faith, feeling conscious that she had done nothing " worthy to warrant such a course of procedure tow.ards her." If there is one spot more than another, where the principles of liberty of conscience should be cherished, it is Newport. For, when we reflect on tho baseness of Massachusetts, in thus putting to death their own citizens, merely for conscience' sake, it is calculated to ;u-ouse into action every power of the human mind, to put down intolerance for opinion's sake. Much has been said and written in favor of puritanical measures. The Eoundheads of Cromwell's time have been eulogized, and the Cavaliers condemned. But the spirit which could influence such barbarity, must be nearly allied to the inhabitants of the "^jiY." These men left the mother-country for conscience'' sake, and came to America, where they could enjoy civil and religious liberty. But what kind of conscience did they possess ? The india-rubber kind, which can contract, as easily as expand ; for, if they had been sincere in their professions of love to the cause of righteousness, free toleration would have been allowed to all who came within their jurisdiction. But, assuming them selves to be right, thej' stood ready to inflict punishment on all who were unprepared to sanction and approve of their bigoted views. The religion established was Congregational, whicli, in theory, was Democratic, but, in 'practice, Aristocratical, and opposed to the principle of civil and religious freedom. And too much of the same ungodly spirit exists at the present day, though not permitted to be carried out to its full measure. Mary Dyre, and those associated with her, had been guilty of no crime ; they had never opposed wholesome laws, but in matters of conscience touching God, they felt that they had a perfect right to worship Him, agreeably to their views of Christian duty ; and in this they were correct. It will over be a stigma of reproach on lilaissachusotts, for suflering such high-handed wickedness against tho subjects of another colony. Let Newport rejoice in tho names of hor former legislators, who held to no restrictions in matters of religion, but left to each individual the liberty of forming his own views of relio'ious truth and duty. Tyranny can nex'or vegetate on the soil which middletown asylum. 39 has been consecrated by the prayers of a Clarke and a Cod dington. . The period of the transfer of what is now Providence, bears the same date, 1638, with the deed of this island, and tho ownership of the land commenced at the same time. But government and laws were established by those of the island, seven months and one day sooner than at Providence. Ports mouth had admitted, or added to, the eighteen who first incor porated themselves, thirty other heads of families as settlers, whose names appear on the records, making forty-eight, and before the last of December following, twenty-nine more were admitted. ~ The first quarterly meeting of Friends in New England, and probably in America, was held at the house of Governor Cod dington, before their meeting-house was erected. In 1700, the yearly meeting was then estabUshed at Newport, where it has ever since continued ; and no situation is better adapted for it than Newport. There was at the first settlement but two towns on the island, Portsmouth and Newport; but in 1743, Middletown was set off from Newport. This is a fine farming town, and produces a large amount for the Newport market. This town ^as an asylum, with " one acre of ground for the poor. It is occupied and improved by a family, who contract to board such of the poor as the overseers may think proper. A part of them receive pensions, and live with their friends or relatives. The town council are the overseers of the poor. " The town receives an annuity of $40, given by the late Andrew Freebody, for the relief of the poor. About $400 was paid for the support of the poor the past year." In 1640, Samuel Gorton, who came to Ehode Island, in June 1638, was, on some contention, banished from the island. Samuel Gorton came to this country from London. In one of his printed works, he adds to his name the appellation of " Gentleman." In one conveyance he styles himself " Citizen of London, clothier," and in another, "Professor of the mysteries of Christ." He landed in Boston in 1636, and from that place removed in a short time to Plymouth. Here it seems his hetero doxy in religion was first discovered, and he was complained of and required to find sureties, and fined. From Plymouth, Gor- 40 history op RHODE ISLAND. ton removed to Ehode Island, and shortly after settled in War wick. In 1642 he was seized by Massachusetts' forces,_and was confined in prison. After his release, he returned to Ehode Island, and then went to England and preferred a memorial re specting his treatment, against Massachusetts. In 1646, he came back to Ehode Island and settled in Warwick. His reUgious opinions were peculiar. It is impossible, per haps, for any one at this day, fully to comprehend them. During his life they were the subject of much speculation. That he was an enthusiast in his reUgious opinions, there can be no doubt. " A real come-outer, in its true sense." Of the private history of Gorton, very Uttle can be gleaned even from tradition. The following is from the manuscript itinerary of the late Dr. Stiles : " I visited a Mr. Angel, aged eighty, born October 18th, 1691, a plain, blunt spoken man, of right old English frankness. He is not a Quaker, nor Baptist, nor Presbyterian, but a Gortonist, and the only one I have seen. Gorton lives only in him, his only disciple left. He says he knew of no other, and that he is alone. He ¦> gave me an account of Gorton's disciples, first and last, and showed me some of Gorton's printed books, and some of his manuscripts. " He said Gorton had beat down all outward ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, with unanswerable demonstra tion. That Gorton preached in London, in Oliver's time, and had a church and living of £500 a year offered hirn, but he be lieved no sum would have tempted him to take a farthing for preaching. He was at the head of a sect called Gortonians, novp extinct — it did not, as the reader will perceive long survive him." — Extract from Staple's Gorton. Though it has been said that he was not " intolerant towards those who differed from him," yet we should rather infer that there must have been something very pecuUar, to have led our fathers to have banished him from their jurisdiction. They were eminently tolerant, and favored the largest liberty, where it did not conflict with the rights of others. A man of Gorton's temperament, and strongly biased in favor of his own peculiar notions of reUgion, would naturally lead him to obtrude his dog mas on the minds of others, however unpleasant it might bo ; and as our fathers studied peace, and wished no malcontents to remain among them, is the propable cause of his banishment. FIRST INSOLVENCY. 41 It is highly probable that he possessed the spirit which now ani mates the ultras of the present day, who prefer to rule in h-1, than serve in heaven. On no other ground can we reconcile his banishment from the island. In 1638, WiUiam Baulston was authorized to set up a house of entertainment for strangers, and also to brew beer, and sell wine and strong waters. Our fathers would be condemned, in this day of light and knowledge, by a class of fanatics, as being destitute of moral principle, in thus favoring the sale of an article which goes to destroy the bodies and the souls of men. But it proves them to have been men of common sense, in regulating the sale of an article which they well knew would be used. And to the credit of Newport, there has been far less fanaticism and intolerance on this, as well as on other moral questions, than is to be found in any portion of New-England. Newport has continued, down to the present day, the sale of spiritous liquors, and without flattery, we challenge the country to produce a more sober and moral community, with a popu lation of nearly ten thousand, than is to be found in the ancient metropolis. Jefferson's motto was, that " that government is best which governs least." But this motto was designed to apply to the attempts of legislators to cure the moral and intel lectual evils of society. So far as these attempts are concerned, the less legislation the better. FIRST INSOLVENCY. y John Luther, a carpenter, having absconded from the island, and being found indebted to several persons, it was ordered that " Mr. Brenton and Mr. Coggeshall, shall take possession of his effects, and shall satisfy his creditors as far as it shaU go." They generally, at the present time, take their effects with them, or the proceeds, and thus leave their creditors minus. The age, however, is one of improvement. " It was ordered that all the sea-banks is free for fishing to the town of Newport." This right was acknowledged to the people under the charter of king Charles II., and preserved in the constitution which is noW the fundamental law of the State. 42 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. And no proprietor of land has the legal right to prohibit the inhabitants from the enjoyment of the privilege. It is a great public blessing. June. — It was ordered at a general meeting, that a house for a prison, twelve feet in length and ten in breadth, should be built. Would to God that its Umited dimensions could have continued. But as population increased, selfishness became pre dominant, and as a natural consequence, immorality and crime succeeded, until it was found expedient to enlarge the prisons. In 1772, the present county jail in Newport, was built. It is a substantial brick edifice. The building committee was Oliver Eing Warner. It is pleasantly located in Malborough street. The inmates who are so unfortunate as to be found within its walls, as a general thing, have been treated kindly by the keeper. It is, however, to be lamented that the spirit of the Gospel has not more generally influenced the minds of men, which would have had a salutary tendency in preventing the increase of much evil in the world. As soon as the great law of doing to others as we would others should do to us, begins to be exemplified, the reign of wrong, and injury, and suffering, (leading as it often does to crime,) will rapidly come to an end. Instead of one Howard, one Mrs. Fry, and one Miss Dix, in a century, we should have thousands upon thousands in every department of charity. When we look at what these three indi^nduals have accomplished, what might we not expect from milUons laboring with united strength and intellect, in the great work of human welfare ! It will be a glorious period when the " fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man," shall be re cognized by all classes. Then will the reign of evil cease, and not before. . Every town was authorized to choose a council of six persons, to manage their town affairs, and to have the trial of small cases. June 4j 1647. — Cannonicus, the chief Indian Sachem, died this year in a good old age, honored by his tribe, and respected and beloved bv the whites who had settled in his territories. AQUEDNECK INDIANS. 43 AQUEDNECK INDIANS. The battle which decided the fate of the Aquedneck Indians, is believed to have been fought in a place about three miles and a quarter from the State House, in Newport, in the town of Middletown, in a swamp, or low ground, near the west road leading to Bristol ferry. The tradition is substantiated by the fact, that very many arrow heads, hatchets, &c., made of a hard stone, have frequently been dug up on the spot, designated in the tradition as the battle field. This was before the purchase of the island. They were subject to the Narragansetts. The seat of Miantunomu was at " Tomony Hill," near Newport. There was formerly a " block-house," built of brick, on this hill. The land fronting on the harbor, where Thames-street now is, was then an impenetrable swamp. It is well to dwell on the reminiscences of the past, as they carry the mind back to the period when none but the natives were the inhabitants of the island. The sufferings of the abo rigines of this country are painful to contemplate, and while many pretend to have their sympathies strongly enUsted on the side of negro slavery, let them reflect, how much greater have been the sufferings of the poor Indian, arising, as it does, from his superior understanding. Let me inquire of the reader, whether there was ever a nobler character than PhiUp, the King of the Wampanouages, and one whose sad fate has often been the theme of the poet ? Accord ing to the prediction of the Panacos, that he should never fall by the hand of the white man was realized in his death. A renegade Indian shot him in a swamp, at the foot of Mount Haup. Philip's war lasted more than a year, and was the most dis tressing period that New England had ever seen, and threatened the total extirpation of her colonies. About six hundred men, the flower of her strength, fell in battle, or were butchered by the savages. In Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Ehode Island, twelve or thirteen towns were utterly destroyed. About six hundred dwelUng-houses were burnt, a heavy debt contracted, and a vast amount of property destroyed. There were few 44 history op RHODE ISLAND. families who did not .lose some beloved relative in this calami tous war ; and a general gloom spread through the country. The Indians acted on the defensive ; they felt jealous of their rights, and did not admit the justice and equity of the claim set up by the pale faces, to the soil which they had received as a graiit from the Great Spirit, — and it is no way surprising that Philip and his tribe displayed a hostile attitude towards the enemy of their peace, when they perceived that their domain was passing into other hands, and that they would soon melt away before a superior force. This is a sufficient apology for the course which they pursued towards the colonists ; and instead of our exulting and triumphing over their weakness, it should rather be a matter of grief and sorrow, that the posses sion of this continent was purchased at the expense of the destruction of the Indians. PHILIP OF MOUNT HAUP. (by miss caes.) Philip's head was sent to Plymouth, where it was exposed on a gibbet twenty years, and one of his hands to Boston, where it was exhibited in savage triumph, and his mangled body was denied the right of sepulture, it having been quartered, and hung upon four trees, where it was left, a monument of shock ing barbarity. " To say the least of PhiUp's .humanity, it was as great towards captives, so far as we have any knowledge, as that of the EngUsh towards the captive Indians." — Drake's Biography of Indians. ' Te write the white man brave, When on his native sod, He lifts his sword to guard and save His heritage of God. And earth rings loud, with the deep startling cry — Of patriots, warriog for their liberty. PHILIP OF MOUNT HAXTP 45 Te bid the marble rise, To shrine his sacred fame ; - And loud winds bear along the skies. His high and holy name. And ever your children'o hearts beat full and strong, All freedom shout, and glorious triumph sing. The ontrag'd Indian rears His madden'd battle brand ; And tracks with flame, and blood, and tears, The oppressors of his land. And he is savage ! and ye give his name To wear his curse, and be a word for shame. And even his soulless clay, Finds not a quiet bed ; The storms may waste it, birds of prey Feast on the helpless dead— As if the poor insensate dust could be A thing for hate, and fiendish mockery. The gentle Quaker came, With justice in his hand ; And the whoop lay hush'd, the war-knife's flame Gleam'd not within the land. But spread the Calumet's soft incense wide, And rose the olive of the wigwam's side. Wo ! fcr the red man's wai], Sweeps o'er New England's hills ; It rides her haughty ocean gale, And tunes her forest rills. One jarring echo in the grand old strain, , That ne'er can die along her hallow'd plain." THE DEATH OF MIANTUNOMU. As we have noticed the death of Cannonicus, we wiU also allude to the sad fate of Miantunomu, as they were the two Sachems who conveyed the island of Aquedneck to Mr. Cod dington and his friends. Miantunomu was uncle to Cannonicus, and they exercised an important part in the government of the great nation of the Narragansetts. 46 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. In 1642, Connecticut became suspicious of Miantunomu, and urged Massachusetts to join them in a war with Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans. The broil had long existed ; but the open rupture was brought on by Uncas making war upon Sequessou, one of the Sachems under Miantunomu. The English accounts say, (and we have no othe^,) that about 900 warriors were raised by Miantunomu, and about 500 or 600 Mohegans. The Sachem of the former, Miantunomu, intending to chastise Uncas for his adherence to the English, secretly advanced into his country with an army ; but Uncas was aware of his ap proach, and met him on this plain, where both parties halted. Uncas resorted to a stratagem ; he stepped forward alone, and chaUenged Miantunomu to decide the quarrel . single-handed. This, as he expected, was refused, and, while his enemies were unprepared, he gave a signal by falling down, when his men instantly set up a yeU, discharged their arrows, and rushed forward. The Narragansetts fled, and many of them were kiUed. Uncas captured Miantunomu himself, but the haughty Indian would not ask for quarter nor speak a word. He was taken to Hartford, and, after a trial, was delivered to Uncas for execution. He was brought back to this place, and while marching across the fields was tomahawked, on a spot a little east of the road, where a heap of stones for many years marked 'the place of his burial. '' The place where the battle was fought. Was in the eastern part of the town of Norwich, and the place to this day is called the Sachem's Plain.''' — Note, from Winthrop's Journal. The sorrowful part of this tale is yet to be told. The Com missioners of the United Colonies having convened at Boston, " who, taking into serious consideration what was safest and best to be done, were all of the opinion, that it would not be safe to set him at liberty ; neither had we sufficient ground for us to put him to death." The awful design of putting to death their friend, they had not yet fixed upon, but calling to their aid in council — ^whom ? — and must it be told ? — it has been told before — " five of the most judicious elders;" such as we read of in the apochrypha, who condemned Susannah to death ; " they all agreed that he ought to be put to death." This was the final decision, and to DEATH OF MIANTUNOMU. 47 complete the deed of darkness, secrecy was enjoined upon all, and their determination was to be made known to Uncas pri vately, with directions that he should execute him within his own jurisdiction, and without torture. Dr. Trumbull says that " Uncas cut out a large piece of his shoulder and ate it in savage triumph, saying it was the sweet est morsel he ever ate, it made his heart strong-" Thus closed a tragedy, which, for infamy, has never been exceeded. And by whom was it effected ? Puritans — men caUing themselves the friends and the advocates of Him who prayed to his Father to "forgive his enemies, for they know not what they do." He was one who had been their friend, according to their own show ing, and yet delivered up to the miserable paltroon, Uncas, who by treachery had overcome his enemy. But the conduct of the savage -is purity itself, when compared to the vile and disgrace ful conduct of those, who having no bowels of compassion, could thus sacrifice a fellow-being on the altar of hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness. But what could we expect better of such men, whose views of God's character, led them to believe that he dehghted in misery ! For an example, examine Dr. Increase Mather's (Magnolia,) " Prevalence of Prayer," ibid 7. In speaking of the efficacy of prayer in bringing about the destruc tion of the Indians, he says, " Nor could they cease crying to the Lord against Philip, until they had prayed the bullet into his heart." And in speaking of the slaughter of PhiUp's people at Narragansett; he says : " We have heard of the two and twenty Indians slain, all of them, and brought down to heU in one day." This is Christianity with a vengeance. On the death of Miantunomu, Canonchet, his son, became by inheritance, Chief Sachem of the tribe. In " the great swamp fight," as it was familiarly known, he was intercepted and secured by the whites, delivered over to the Mohegan Sachem, Oneco, the son of his father's murderer, and byiim put to death by order of the EngUsh captors. He was the last who exercised the supremacy over the Narragansett. tribe, and now aU that is left to call to remembrance these noble warriors is their names, emblazoned on the wheel-house of the steamboats which navigate the Narragansett Bay. We bless God that we had our birth and education in the State of Ehode Island, where intolerance, bigotry, and cruelty, 48 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. never flourished ; and though our characters have been assailed by " Simon pures," of Massachusetts, as being destitute of true religion, which merely means orthodoxy in the head and not in the heart, we yet have cause to rejoice that charges such as we have enumerated, have never been laid at our door. ' Eichard Borden, one of the first settlers of Portsmouth, died 25th of third month, 1670, aged seventy years. He was father of Matthew Borden, who was the first white child bom on Ehode Island. THE FIRST CHARTER OF INCORPORATION FROM THE BRITISH CROWN. I 1 " In 1643, Mr. WilUams, an agent of the Colonies of Narragan sett Bay, obtained a Charter of Incorporation, from the British crown, granting their permission to make laws for themselves, so far as the nature and constitution of the place would admit, subject to the laws of England." This charter is for civil government only. There is not one word in it about religion or liberty of conscience. Backey, Vol. 1, page 91. This he says he copied from the original ftianuscript in Mr. Williams' own handwriting, dated Providence 25th, sixth month, 1658. > " That forasmuch as Mr. EogerWiUiamshas taken great pains, and expended much time in obtaining a charter for this pro- A'irtce, we do freely give and grant unto the said Eoger WilUams, £100, to be levied out of the towns, viz., £50 out of Newport, £30 out of Portsmouth, and £20 out of Providence, which rate ' is to be levied and paid in by the last of November." Mr. WilUams returned with the charter, September 17, 1644. We have no wish or desire to take from Mr. WiUiams the praise which justly belongs to him — "honor to whom honor is due" — but we do feel conscious that far more has been said of his merits than they well deserve. He has been held up as the oracle of liberty of conscience, and many have been misled into the belief that Ehode Island is indebted to him more than to any other man, ; for its civil and reUgious liberties. But we shall have occasion^ to convince them to the contrary, when we bring forward a man whose character has been neglected, and whose memory nearly FIRST CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. 49 forgotten. And this has arisen from the relative position which Providence and Newport occupies. While the former has had a rapid growth, owing to the crowd of adventurers who have resorted there for the purpose of gain, which has, however, sen sibly changed its moral character, the latter has declined in com mercial prosperity, which has produoed a- state of supineness, and an entire indifference to her lawful claims, and permitted matters of a highly important nature to be entirely overlooked. Providence has aimed to exalt Eoger Williams, at the ex pense of his superior, until his name has become as common as household words. We see it emblazoned on banks, insurance companies, and even steamboats which ply ir( the Narragansett Bay. His name has been canonized as the ne plus ultra, and to call in question his character and merits, would be viewed as sacrilegious. Every author who has attempted to write his biography, has been very careful to keep out of sight his defects, and to publish his virtues to the world, as the originator of civil and reUgious liberty, until the public have been made to believe that to Eoger WilUams, and to no one else, Ehode Island is indebted for her privileges. Now, every writer who has treated on his character, has stood in fear lest an influence should be brought to bear against him, hence they follow in the same track, and continue to eulo gize his name. Mr. WilUams was not perfect, and a more eccentric man never Uved. He had not a weU-balanced mind, which his religious career fully proved. The Eev. Mr. Adlum, in a pamphlet, which he has recently pubUshed, showing the origin of the first Baptist church in Newport, and the first in Providence, says of Mr. Williams, that " he was a Baptist only four months. After he left the Baptists, he lived forty-three years, and yet from the records you would not suspect but he was a Baptist to the day of his death. Here was a man, who in the space of four months, had fully made up his mind that there was neither a true ministry, nor true church upon earth ; a conviction so strong that he never wavered in it for the forty-three years of his after life. He had been bred in the belief that a regular succession from the apostles downwards, was necessary to a true church and a true ministry." 50 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. The manner of his baptism by a layman, we should have thought would have led him to doubt of its validity, and equally so his ordination, which was wholly unauthorized by ecclesiasti cal usages. There is evidence that Mr. WilUams was not as Catholic as were some of the first settlers ; though he had fled from Mas sachusetts, owing to persecution, yet he is charged with in tolerance towards the Quakers, which iUustrates and sets forth poor human nature, as it really is. We should not have animadverted on the character of Mr. WilUams, had there not been such an effort made by writers, to exalt him above his equals and even superiors. The united colonies were not content with using compulsion themselves, towards the Quakers, but wished to draw Ehode Island into their measure — and it is on record that Eoger Wil Uams favored the measure — but the people of Portsmouth, on Ehode Island, disowned all connection in such arbitrary doings to wards their brethren. Portsmouth has ever been an asylum for Quakers from the earliest period of their coming to this country. A Quaker, Eichard Scott, who had been a neighbor of Mr. WiUiams for thirty-eight years, says of him, that " he was un settled in his opinions, that which took most with him was, to get honor amongst men. After his society and,he, in a church way, were parted, he went to England and got a charter, and coming from Boston to Providence, at Seekonk, the neighbors of Providence met him with fourteen canoes, and carried him to the town. And the man being hemmed in the middle of the canoes, was so elevated and transported out of himself, that I was condemned in myself, that amongst the rest, I had been an instrument to set him up in his pride and folly. Though he pro fessed liberty of conscience, and was so zealous for it at the first coming home of the charter, that nothing in government must be acted tiU that was granted, yet he could be the forwardest to persecute against those that could not join with him in it." About the beginning of 1677, came out Mr. WilUams' account of his dispute with the Quakers, upon which Mr. Coddington wrote over to his friend Fox, and said : " Here is a lying, scan dalous book of Eoger WilUams', of Providence, printed at Cam bridge, New- England. I have known him about fifty years, a mere weaXher-cock, constant only in inconstancy ; poor man, that CHARACTER OF ROGER WILLIAMS. 5l doth not know what should become of his soul, if this night it should be taken from him. He was for the priests, and took up their principles to fight against the truth, and to gratify them and bad magistrates, that Ucked up his vomit, and wrote the said scurrilous book, and so has transgressed for a piece of bread. One while he is a Separatist, at New-Plymouth, joining with them till they are weary of him ; (as appears from Morton's Memorial,) another time you may have him a teacher or a mem ber of the church at Salem. 0 1 then a great deal of devotion is pleaded in women's wearing of veils in their assembUes, as if the power of godUness was in it ; and to have the cross out of the color ; and then be against the king's patent and authority, and writeth a large book in quarto against it. And another time he is hired for money, and gets a patent from Long Par- Uament, so that it is not long but he is off and on it again. One tame for water baptism — men and women must be plunged into water — and then throws it all down again ; one time for men's wearing caps, and not hats, for covering their faces — and again hats ^nd caps ; so that Cotton said of him, that ' he was a hoA- berdasher of small questions against the power.' " Mr. WiUiams, on the 1st of February, 1657-8, issued a war rant against Mr. William Harris, for the alleged crime of op posing the Protector's government. The warrant ordered his arrest and imprisonment, for the purpose of sending him to Eng land, in accordance, probably, with the act of June, 1665. How far this strong measure was deserved by the conduct of Mr. Har ris, we cannot now determine. It has been inferred that it was not sustained by public opinion, because at the next election Mr. Williams was superseded as President, by Mr. Benedict Arnold. It is not improbable that he was urged too far, by a zeal to up hold the charter, and the Protector's authority, and perhaps by personal hostility towards Mr, Harris, between whom and him self, there was for many years a very acrimonius feud. " It appears that Mr. WilUams so disliked Mr. Harris, that he would not write his name at length, but abbreviated it thus, 'W. Har.' This mode of writing is seen in the fac simile prefixed to this volume." — Knowles' Memoirs of Williams. " Mr. Harris soon after went to England to endeavor to settle the dispute between himself and Eoger Williams, but the vessel was captured by an Algerine corsair, and he was sold for a 52 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. slave. His family, in Ehode' Island, redeemed him by the sale of a part of his property. He arrived in England, but died there. He was an able man, and we may hope a good man, notwithstanding some infirmities. .His quarrels with Eoger WilUams were discreditable to them both — on which side the most blame lay, we cannot now decide." — Backus, volume 1., page 421. We should rather be inclined to think that WilUams was the most in fault, from the fact of his proneness to get into difficulty. The family of Harris are highly respectable in Ehode Island ; some of the original land of WiUiam Harris, is stUl in possession of the family. Eoger Williams was the pioneer in the settlement of Provi dence, and had he possessed the amiable traits of character which distinguished John Clarke, of Newport, he would un doubtedly have been a public blessing to the Colony. But un fortunately, his disposition was irritable, which often led him into trouble. He had the bump of combattiveness largely deve loped, and was ever ready to enter into disputation; (this seemed to be his fcrrte.) In 1672, George Fox, the founder of the sect caUed Friends, or Quakers, arrived in Ehode Island, and commenced preaching at Newport. Eoger Williams visited Newport, and held public disputations with George Fox and others. He had a zeal, not always tempered with knowledge, or otherwise he would have left to each 'sect, the right to enjoy their own sentiments undisturbed, and never have been guilty of persecution in the least degree. But it shows that he was fallible, like all other men, and had not attained to Christian perfection. And yet it seems passing strange, that one who had felt the power of oppression, and who had been compelled to flee from Massachusetts' tyranny, did not extend the hand of fellowship to all, of whatever name or sect, who desired to settle within his jurisdiction. But few, however, are properly qualified to exercise power aright— the passions of the human mind, when not restrained, are apt to break foi-th in a maaner which conflicts with the " higher law," of which so much is said at the present day. Some allowance must, however, be made for the period in which he lived. Undoubtedly, there were difficulties to be encountered, and trials to be borne, which required a larffe LONGEVITY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. 53 share of philosophy to overcome, and if his temperament was ardent and impetuous, he is to be pitied and not severely con demned. We have been strongly inclined to the belief, that the impress left by Mr. WilUams on the Plantations, has had an influence in forming the character of its inhabitants, for liberty of opinion has been far less enjoyed there, than in Newport and the south counties. In secular matters, there has been a disposition to coerce and to bring the people under the ban of the law in mat ters, too, which were unconstitutional in their nature, which it behoves every patriot and friend to human rights, to condemn. It must be conceded that the inhabitants of the Island of Ehode Island, were the most active in procuring the inestimable privileges of civil and religious liberty. Here, true Eepublican- ism existed, without aristocratic domination, and it should be the duty of every citizen, to guard against every encroachment attempted to be made against their dearest rights, and heaven- born privileges. Let them glory in the names of Clarke and Coddington, for to them belongs the honor of rearing the stand ard of Liberty and Independence. LONGEVITY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF THE IStAND. Mr. Nicholas Easton, who came, in 1638, from Hampton to Newport, lived to 1675, when he died a very ancient man. His son, Mr. John Easton, who as his father was divers times Gov ernor of the Colony, died in 1705, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Mr. H. Bull, one of the eighteen that incorporated themselves at the first, was Governor of the Colony, and- lived to an advanced age. Mr. Edward Thurston, who was assistant in 1675, and many times deputy for Newport, died 1786-7, aged ninety years. Many such instances might be given, and many of the second generation, such I mean as were born within the first twenty or twenty-five years, reached to fourscore and some ninety years. If we consider the longevity of many of the first-comers, notwith standing the hardships and distresses they underwent, and the change of cUmate, diet, &c., and to this add the great age of 54 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. many of their children, we cannot call the country unhealthy, or the inhabitants short-Uved ; and to this day, perhaps, there is no spot that can be compared to the island for the duration of human life. SHORTNESS OF PROVISIONS. January 22d, 1639, it was found that there were but one hundred and eight bushels of corn, to supply ninety-six per sons, which, at the proportion of one bushel and half a-peck to each, was not then sufficient to supply them for six weeks ; and yet it was then more than so many months to harvest. But there was plenty of fish, fowl, and venison, and soon after, even to this day, the necessaries of life have been plentiful. Some of the principal persons who came at first to the island, removed again in a little time, some to Long Island for larger accommodations, and some to Massachusetts again, where three of those famiUes have made a considerable figure ever since, to this day, viz. : Hutchinson, Dunmow, and Savage. Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, of whom mention has been made, after being banished from Massachusetts, came to Ehode Island. From thence she went with her family to East Chester, in New-York, where they were all kiUed by the Indians, except one daughter, who, after remaining some time among the In dians, was redeemed, and married to Mr. Cole, and lived to old age. A similar account is given in a history of the Indian wars, written by Mr. Niles. Edward Hutchinson, jun., was mortally wounded in PhiUp's war. William Hutchinson came over from England in 1634, and died in Newport' in 1642. His wife, Anne, was killed by the Indians in 1643. In the records of the old or first church in Boston, we find Edward Hutchinson, senior, admitted a mem ber in 1663, and Edward Hutchinson, junior, and WilUam Hutchinson, merchant, in 1634. Several of the Hutchinson family came to Newport, in consequence of the religious perse cutions in Massachusetts. They owned land both in Newport and Narragansett, and their names are frequently found on tha records. BRENTON, WM., PRESIDENT OF THE COLONY. 55 WilUam Hutchinson, jun. (second,) Edward Hutchinson, sen., and Edward Hutchinson, jun., were among the first purchasers of Newport, about 1636, to which aUusion has been already made. We also find land aUotted there to Samuel Hutchinson, in 1638. Some of the family, as before remarked, returned to Boston. See " Bull's Extracts from the State Eecords." Capt. Edward Hutchinson, by his will, proved in Boston, 1675, gave aU his Narragansett lands to his daughters, Eliza beth Winslow, Ann Dyre, and Susanna Hutchinson. Susanna afterwards married Nathaniel Coddington, of Newport. Ann afterwards married Daniel Vomer, the ancestor of the present family of Vernon, of Newport. See " Deeds in Secretary's office, book 1, 442 ; Eecords at Wickford, book 2, 121, 123. Updike's History." There is none of the name now to be found in Newport, although numerous in many of the New England States. Thomas Clifton was one of the earUest settlers. From him the Clifton burial place takes its name. It is situated at the head of Golden-street ; it is an ancient ground WilUam Brenton was a native of England, and previous to his removal, was a respectable merchant of Boston. He came to Ehode Island soon after the first settlement. He was Deputy- Governor from 1640 to 1646 ; President of the Colony from 1660 to 1662, and Governor from 1665 to 1669. He was one of the largest proprietors of land on Ehode Island, and owned the whole of the land called Brenton's Neck. He died in 1674, at an advanced age, leaving three sons and four daughters. Jaheel Brenton, was the eldest son of Governor WilUam Brenton, and inherited most of the estate. He was the first CoUector of Boston appointed by the king. In 1699, in conse quence of some personal difficulty with Sir William Phipps, the Governor of Massachusetts, he went to England, when he and others preferred charges against the Governor, who, in con sequence, was summoned to Whitehall, to answer for his con duct. GovernorPhipps died of fever soon after he had arrived in England, and before the trial could take place. Mr. Brenton was soon after appointed Agent for the Colony of Ehode Island, and as such remained in England several years. He returned from England with a commission from tha 56 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. King, appointing him Surveyor-General of the Customs of the American Colonies. He owned all the land in Newport, which is now known as Brenton's Neck, where he had his residence ; he also owned a large tract of land in l^arragansett, being one of the original Pettaquamsett purchasers, He died in Newport, on the 8th of November, 1732, aged 77 years, without issue. He was buried on his own land, in that part which is now the site of Fort Adams. By his wiU, he gave all his lands in the Neck, known as the Hammersmith and Eocky Farms, to his nephew, the second Jaheel Brenton. In 1720, he built the house in Thames-street, now in the possession of Simmons S. Coe. Among his descendants, was the gallant Jaheel Brenton, Admiral of the British navy, and the Hon. Brenton Halliburton, of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, both natives of Newport. In 1681, Peter Easton, and the Executor of John Clarke, were ordered to lay out the common burial ground in Newport, — from which it would appear that John Clarke gave the land for that express purpose. This burial ground had been suf fered to lie neglected for years, until it was painful to witness it, when the suggestion was made, that the subject of renova ting and improving the ground should be brought up in town meeting, which was accordingly done, when an appropriation of 200 dollars was made, and subsequently $500 ; and laborers were employed to right and paint the stones, and to lay out new walks, where no graves were visible. The work was com. menced in 1848, and the committee, under whose supervision the praiseworthy undertaking was commenced and completed, were the Hon. Edward W. Lauton, and Wm. C. Clarke, Esq. Mr. Clarke took a lively interest in the matter, and it reflects great credit on the town. Benedict Arnold, was born in England in 1615 ; he came to this country with his father, WilUam Arnold. They were among the first settlers of Providence, but afterwards formed a settlement at Pawtuxet. In 1653, Benedict Arnold removed to Newport, and was admitted a purchaser there ia May, the same year; in, 1654, he was appointed a Commissioner for Newport; and, in 1657, was chosen President of the Colony, which he held until 1659. He was an Assistant in 1660 and A BELL-MAN CHOSEN. 57 1661, and again President in 1662 and 1663. In the Charter of 1663, he was named as the first Governor, and was re-elected by the people, with brief intervals, until 1678. He died on the 9th of June, 1678, aged 63 years, leaving four sons and three daughters. He was a large proprietor of land in Newport, Con nanicut, and Narragansett. His house stood where the banking house of the Union Bank, now stands. He was buried in the lot which he directed to be set apart for that purpose, which is now an old burying-ground in the rear of the Unitarian church. The ground which was set apart, was three rods square, with the right of way to it. The entrance is from Pelham street, through the grounds of Captain Littlefield. As the name of Governor Benedict Arnold, and Benedict Arnold, the traitor, are Uable to be blended together, we would state the fact, for the benefit of the reader, that there is not the remotest connection existing between them. Governor Arnold was distinguished for his virtue and integrity ; his repeated elec tions to the first place in the Colony, shows his popularity, and the confidence which was reposed in him by his constituents!. We would suggest the propriety of renovating the ground where repose the mouldering ashes of this devoted patriot. We know not whether any collateral branches of the family exist at present on the island ; it is certain, however, that there are none in the male line. The extinction of once numerous and highly respectable families, on the island, shows the uncertainty of worldly glory, and the vanity of relying upon any thing earthly. A BELL-MAN CHOSEN. 1681. A bell-man was chosen to walk up the streets, one whole year, as the town shall agree, and Eichard Barnes was chosen. He came out with Mr. John Clarke, the first settler on the island. He was to ring if any thing be brought into the town, as fruit, or fish, &c., " he shall not need to stop at each place, but going along giving notice thereof by a loud noise." This practice is stiU kept up in the ancient town, and does not disturb the nerves of the inhabitants. 58 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. 1691. Lawrence Clarke had Uberty to dig clay and make brick, on the common near Samuel Cranston's land, he doing no damage ; and even before this period, permission was granted to make brick, as early as 1681. Why it was discontinued we have no account. 1693. Arnold CoUins petitioned for half an acre of land on the common, to set up a fuUing mill, which was granted. John Easton, jr., had one quarter of an acre of land to set up a malt- ing-house, to have it as long as he made malt. John Hicks had an acre of land on Goat Island, for a ship-yard, for him and his heirs and assigns, who foUow ship-building, paying such rent as they and the committee of the town shall agree. In 1696, a Seal for the town was procured, with the device of a sheep. 1699. Benjamin Bears, and John Hervey, had Uberty to erect a building on the north end of Goat Island, to cure fish. A law was made to prevent oyster shells from being burnt in the streets, except by the liberty of the town or lime kilns. It appears that shell lime was much used at that day, and many of the ancient buildings now standing, confirm the fact. Oct., 1710. The petition of Mr. Gallaway, for liberty of teach ing a Latin school, in the little rooms in the school-house, was granted. Newport has paid a strict regard to education, from the earUest period of the settlement of the island. " In 1782, John Mumford, surveyor, was authorized to survey the streets of the town ; and the Town Council directed to name the streets, as the town had grown to the admiration of all, and was the metropolitan." — Town Records. It is much to bo regretted that the codfishery had not been prosecuted in Newport, as the spot is so admirably adapted 'to the business. It has been made profitable where it has been carried on, giving employment to seamen, as well as enriching the community, and no good and sufiicient reason can be offered why it should not be revived in Newport. It is a safe invest ment, and requiring far less capital than is needed in many other commercial transactions. Tho bounty paid by tho general gov ernment, aids very much in the liquidation of the expenses of tho voyage. It would seem from the records, that in the early settlement of Newport, the inhabitants turned their attention to every kind of trade, and the rapid and unexampled growth of easton's point. 59 the place was an evidence of tho enterprise which characterized the inhabitants. To what an extent brick was made, and how long the busi ness was conducted, we have no means of knowing at this late period. We should rather be incUned to the belief that the material was not of the best kind, or otherwise the work would not have been abandoned. About twenty-five years ago, a discovery was made of yellow ochre, on the Taylor farm, now owned by the Hon. Wra. B. Lawrence. Some gentleman from abroad experimented upon it, hoping to be able to make a yoUow paint of it, but after a fair trial it was given up. This gave to Taylor's Point, the modern name of Ochre Point, though we much prefer the former one for its antiquity, the property having boon in possession of the Taylor family from a very early period of the settlement of the island. EASTON'S POINT. This Point was originally the property of Governor Nicholas Easton, who, on his marriage with Ann Clayton, gave it by deed to her, and confirmed it in his will to her as his wife. In 1694, a certain William Edwards, a member of the Society of Friends, gave by will to his executors, who wore Daniel Gould, Edward "Thurston, William James, John Lurkott, the residue of his estate, for the benefit of that society. In the year 1698, they purchased of Ann Bull, widow of Governor Henry BuU, and previously widow of Nicholas Easton, the Point farm, consisting of about sixty- five acres, part of which, in 1714, they laid out in house lots, and made a second division, in 1725, which they rented out at very low rates. Tho Society has the original plot and regular minutes of the proprietors ever since. The most of the land has since been disposed of, and but a few acres now belong to the Society. In early times, the Society of Friends was very large. In 1700, about One-half the population of Newport wore of that persuasion, and in that year they built the present mooting- house in which they now worship. There have been many ministers, 60 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. and other conspicuous members of that Society, who lived in Newport and its vicinity. A large proportion of its Govemors and other officers, were of that denomination, amongst whom may bo enumerated Wm. Coddington, Nicholas Easton, John Easton, Walter Clarke, Henry BuU, John Wanton, Gideon Wanton, and Governor Hopkins, aU members of the Society. Mr. Bull says that there was a Friends' meeting-house in New port, before this was built, probably soon after they came to this country. It stood opposite Coddington burial-ground, which was taken down and some of the materials worked into that which is now the rear of the present meeting-house, which ex tends thirty feet north of the main building. The denomination from having boon very numerous on the island, are at present greatly diminished. In 1704, the General Assembly passed an act for fixing the soldiers' wages, whether volunteers or impressed, for the service of Goat Island, at £12 per year. In 1696, a negro named Peter Pylatt, was executed at New port, for the crime of rape, after which his body was hung in chains on Tommony Hill. It was voted to offer one penny for a blackbird's head, and two pennies for a crow. About 1660, and many years afterward, provision pay was one hundred per cent beneath sterling money. 1739. This year the freemen of tho town of Newport, granted a now company the right of extending the Long Wharf from Thames street, westward, across the Cove or Flats, to Sandy Point, called Easton's Point, across the said Point, eight hun dred foot westward, to Goat Island, from low-water mark, and the fee and privilege to be vested in the company, together with the privileges of all right which the town had in the water, on the north and south sides of the premises, 45 feet in length, &c. The income arising from tho Long Wharf, was for many years devoted to the support of a school kept in Washington street, on tho Point. The building which belonged to the company, and occupied for a school, was subsequently sold ; it continued however, until the free school system went into operation in Newport. The wharf is in tho hands of trustees, and what dis position is made of tho income, after keeping the wharf in re pair, we have no means of knowing. It would certainly look, COLONY HOUSE BUILT. 61 after reading the grant made by the town to the company, that they had the exclusive right to manage it as they please. Pre sent length 2183 feet. At the North side of Long Wharf was situated Barney's Ferry to Connanicut — at that date there were three ferries to Connanicut — two on the Point, Barney's, Ellery's, and Carr's, the present one from Ferry Wharf — all these terries were con- 8t?,ntly employed in bringing large numbers of cattle, horses and mules, from Connecticut, as well as from all parts of this State ; and an endless number of hoga were annually brought from Connecticut to this market, and slaughtered for shipping. Edward Thurston was a native of England, and came to Ehode Island soon after the first settlement. He held many important offices. He died in 1706, aged ninety years, and was buried in the Coddington burial-place. He left six sons and several daughters, from whom are descended all the Thurstons of this State. In 1710, Anthony Young had liberty to take limestone from the rocks in the harbor, to make lime with. We presume that the business was not long pursued, or otherwise the rock would soon have disappeared. We are not able to decide on the quaUty of lime made from the rock, never having seen it tested. A committee was appointed to grant lots for wharfs round the Cove, and so to Gravelly Point. The first town club in Newport was formed this year, 1726. In 1733, the first market-house, on tho Ferry Wharf in New port was built. This year the Assembly granted £50 towards re-buUding the Point Bridge in Newport. COLONY-HOUSE BUILT. 1733. The General Assembly this year voted to erect a new Colony-House, in Newport, on the site where the old one stood. The building to be of brick, eighty feet by forty. Peter Hours, Esbon Sanford, George Goulding, and George Wanton, were appointed to superintend the building. Eichard Munday was 62 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. the architect who drew a plan of the building. In 1743, tho Court House was not finished. The old Colony House was sold and removed to a lot in Pri son Lane, whore it was converted into a dwelling-house, and is stiU standing. The Colony House, or the present State House, is a beautiful specimen of architecture. Fronting the Parade, with the Mall on the left, gives to it an imposing appearance. In 1783, the clock in the State House was put up by Benja min Dudley, an ingenious clock and watch-maker of Newport. Tho expense was defrayed by private subscription. In 1774, Christopher Gardner, a native of Newport, opened a Circus, in which he performed surprising feats of horseman ship. He was tho son of Henry Gardner, who was the keeper of a tavern, at the head of Tanner street, in Newport. " NEWPORT, June 15, 1774. HORSEMANSHIP, BY CHEISTOPHEE GAEDNEE, THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN RIDER, WHO WILL PERFORM ON ONE, TWO, AND THREE HORSES, Nearly all the parts which were exhibited here by the celebrated MR. BATES. In Beyeral of which parts, it is allowed by good judges, he fally equals, or rather excels, any thing of the kind ever performed in this country. TO-MORROW, Gratis, for the Entertainment of all who pfease to attend, If the weather be good, if not, the next day, he will Ride at the north east part of Newport ; and there will be performed TAYLOE EIDING TO BEENTFOED. The doors will be opened at Three o'clock in the Afternoon j and he will mount precisely at Four. The seats are suitable for ladies and gentlemen. Tickets, at a Quarter-of-a-dollar each, to be had of Messrs. Ichabod Potter, Robert Lillibridge, jun., William Davis, and at the Printing-office, by those who ohnae to pay. ' TVs hoped no persons will bring any dogs with them. Mr. Gardner expects to give entire satisfaction, and will gratefully acknowledge all the favours of those ladies and gentlemen who will oblige him with their company," [From theV)riginal printed Handbill.] Mi 1 ^ j. 1, lv?&t THE CREWLESS VESSEL. 63 In 1770. On Wednesday, died at Portsmouth, on the island, Mrs. Mary Thomas, and Mrs. Abigail Burrington, widows, both in the 81st year of their ago : they were both born in one year, died in one day, and were both buried the same day. " Some persons from Connecticut, came to town a few days since, with a large sum of money, in order to purchase goods ; but failing of a supply here, they proceeded immediately to Newport." — From the Providence Paper, 1770. THE CREWLESS VESSEL. 1750. This year a remarkable circumstance occurred at Newport. A vessel was discovered one morning, apparently coming from the eastward, close in to Easton's Beach, with all sails standing ; she seemed suddenly to alter her course, avoid ing the rocks, and directly came on shore, at the north-west corner of the beach. No one having boon seen on board, she was boarded by some fishermen, who were spectators of the scene, and to their great surprise and astonishment, no person was found on board, but they found the table set for breakfast, the kettle boiling, a dog and cat in the cabin, and every thing undisturbed, except the long-boat, which was missing, as if the crew had that moment left her. The vessel proved to be a brig, belonging to Mr. Isaac Steele, a merchant of Newport, which had been hourly expected from the Bay of Honduras. She had been spoken a day* or two before, by a vessel which had arrived in port. The brig was commanded by Capt. Huxham. No tidings were ever heard of him or his crew, and what became of them will probably remain forever a mystery. " It is a fearful mystery, That lies unfathom'd yet ; There never came a word or sign. From those we still regret. I dare not muse upon their fate, Its horror, its despair ; But all among the gazers knew. No mortal hand was there !" 64 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. The vessel was afterwards got off, and William Lee, the grandfather of Eobert P. Lee, Esq., cashier of the Ehode Island Union Bank, assisted in getting her off. She was brought round to Godfrey Melbone's wharf, and sold to Henry Collins, then an eminent merchant of Newport, who changed her name to the JSeacfe jBirii, by which name she made many voyages. This vessel is said to have been in existence, as late as when the British forces took possession of this island ; they found her dismantled at one of the wharves, cut her down, and con verted her into an armed gaUey. The most probable conjec ture which can be formed of this singular event is, that the crew, becoming terrified on hearing the sound of the breakers, and considering their danger to be imminent, had recourse to the long-bnat, and thus perished. EXECUTION OF PIRATES. Two pirate sloops, the Ranger, and the Fortune, which had committed various piracies on tho high seas, being in company, on the 8th of May, 1723, captured the ship Amsterdam Mer chant, John WoUand, master ; the day after which capture they plundered and sunk the ship. On the 6th day of June, in lat. 39°, they took a Virginia sloop, rifled her, and let her go, who the next day foU in with His Majesty's ship, the Greyhound, Capt. Solgard, of 20 guns, to whom they related the circum stances of their late capture and release. Capt. Solgard imme diately pursued, 'and on the 10th, came up with the pirate sloops, about 14 leagues south of th^ east end of Long Island, who, mistaking him for a merchant ship, immediately gave chase, and soon commenced firing on the Greyhound, under a black flag, but then hauled down the black flag and hoisted a rod one. The Greyhound succeeded in capturing' one of the sloops, after having seven men wounded, but the other pirate escaped. The Greyhound came with the prize into the harbor of Newport, and the pirates, thirty-six in number, were com mitted for trial ; twenty-six were sentenced to be hanged, which execution took place on Gravelly Point, opposite the town, on the 19th July, 1723. After execution, their bodies EXECUTION OF PIRATES. 65 were carried to Goat Island, and buried on the shore, between high and low-water mark. The names of the pirates that were executed on Friday, July the 19th, 1723, at Newport, on Ehode Island, were — Charles Harris Thomas Hugget Thomas Linniear Peter Cues Daniel Hyde WiUiam Jones Stephen Mundon Edward Eaton ' Abraham Lacy John Brown Edward Lawson James Sprinkly John Tompkins Joseph Sound Francis Laughton Charles Church John Fitzgerald John Waters WiUram Studfield Thomas Powell Owen Eice Joseph Libbey WiUiam Eead Thomas Hazel WilUam Blades John Bright. Most of these men were foreigners ; but one belonged to Ehode Island. They wore principally natives of England. Perhaps there never was a greater number executed at any one period, in the history of this country. Block Island, was named after Adrian Block, a Dutch navi gator, who, in the summer of 1644, built on tho banks of the Hudson, the first docked vessel ever built within the old United States. The vessel was called Yatch, and made her first voy age through Hell Gate, into the Sound, as far as Cape Cod, by the Vineyard. It was on this voyage that Block Island was discovered. Tho island is about nine miles long, and contains a population of 1 ,262, according to the last census, in 1 850. They are a hardy race of men, engaged principally in fishing and agriculture. It is nine miles to the nearest land. The codfish cured by the islanders, commands a higher price in the market, than those which are taken and cured elsewhere. The soil is rich and fertile, which enables them to export oats; stock, poultry, &c. Their boats, which are perfectly unique in their construction, will live in a gale, while larger craft have to make a harbor. There is on the island, three places of public worship. One close communion, and two free-will Baptist churches. It lays thirty miles south-west from Newport. A number of pirates were executed in November, as appears 66 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. by an Act of the Assembly, for paying the expense of the con viction and execution. They are said to have been executed in the lot, near the Powder-house, at Newport, which afterwards bore the name of the " Callow's Field." WiUiam Jeffray, was a native of England ; at what time he came to America is unknown, but we find him in Massachusetts as early as 1628. Ho came to Ehode Island soon after the first settlement, and, in 1639, was one of tho persons appointed to set off the lands of tho first settlers of Newport. He appears to have been held in groat respect by the colon ists, and was consulted on all important occasions, and was sev eral times an assistant or deputy from Newport. He was in England about the time of the trial and execution of Charles I., which it is probable, was the origin of a tradition which has always existed, that he was one of the judges on the trial of that unfortunate monarch, and as such his grave is pointed out to this day. He owned a farm of about seventy acres on the Neck, and the point extending out from the farm, is called Jeffray's Point. The extremes of the Neck belonged to CoggeshaU and Brenton, while the centre part embraced Price's Nock. We presume Price was an owner, as weU as Jeffray's. He died on the 2d of June, 1675, at the advanced ago of eighty-five years, and was buried in the common burial place. Here lieth interred, the body of WILL. JEFFRAY, GENT. WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON TE 2d DAT OP JUNE, 1675. In the 86th year of his age. Since every tomb an epitaph can have, The mnses owe their tribute to this grave — , And to succeeding ages recommend His worthy name, who lived and died their friend. VIVIT POST TEMERB VIRTPS, DISTRESSING ACCIDENT. 67 DISTRESSING ACCIDENT. Sept. 17, 1744, was memorable for a most distressing acci dent, which took place in Newport. A number of gentlemen had collected on the wharf of Col. Malbern, to view the fitting out of two privateers, when a quantity of powder, which had been placed in one of the stores, by some unaccountable means, exploded; kiUing or wounding a number of persons. By this accident, the town lost three of its principal citi zens, WiUiam Coddington, Esq., Mr. Grant, and John Gidley, Esq., who were either killed or died of their wounds. Mr Cod dington was a grandson of Governor Coddington, and bad held many offices in the colony. Mr. Grant was a native of Scotland, and a respectable merchant of Newport; he was the maternal grandfather of the late Christopher G. ChampUn; and Mr. Gidley was an enterprizing merchant, and son of Judge Gidley, of the Vice- Admiralty Court. The house owned and occupied by Mr. Gidley, passed from his grandson to the late Major Breeze, and is now in possession of the heirs of the late Thomas Breeze, of the United States Navy. The street north, is named Gidley, in honor of that gentleman. To those who are fond of reminiscences, such incidents will prove highly interesting and amusing. Newport has been the scone of many wonderful events, and it would be impossible to embody, in a work of this kind, aU of them, but as a record of facts, we have aimed to give the reader the benefit of the most striking incidents which have occurred on the island. Col. WiUiam Coddington, was son of Thomas and Mary Cod dington, and grandson of the elder Gov, WilUam Coddington, who emigrated from England to Boston with Gov. Winthrop, in 1630. His first wife was Comfort Arnold, eldest daughter of Benedict, son or grandson of Gov. Benedict Arnold. Col. Coddington was born January 1st, 1690, and was a well-edu cated and accomplished gentleman. The Eev. John Callender, in his century sermon, delivered in Newport, in 1738, which was dedicated to him, says : " It is not barely to give you a public testimony of my grati tude for many personal favors, nor yet that esteem and respect 68 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. which all men bear you, for your singular equity and bene volence, not only in private life, but in aU the various offices in which you have adorned your country, that I prefix your name to these papers — but because an attempt to recover some ac count of this happy island, and to make a religious improvement of the merciful providence of God towards it, is justly due to the lineal representative of that worthy gentleman, who was the great instrument of its original settlement. " If the foUowing discourse has done any justice to the memory and character of the pious people who first settled this colony ; or, if it has any tendency to promote the true, original ends of this plantation, I am sure of your patronage. And, as to what relates to some articles, different from your judgment and practice in reUgious matters, the generosity and candor you inherit from your great ancestors, will easily bear with me in endeavoring to vindicate my own opinions on such an occasion." Such an eulogium, from the pen of the gifted CaUender, on the excellencies of character which were possessed by Col. Cod dington, and his ancestor Gov. Coddington, place them in the first rank as the advocates of those sound and liberal principles, which operated in a most remarkable manner, in building up this colony. It would seem from a perusal of Mr. CaUender's sermon, that he was entirely free from sectarianism. While he took the liberty to think for himself, and to make his own deductions, he left to others the same inherent right, and hence a mutual good feeling existed among the different branches of Christ's Church ia Newport, and which has continued to a great degree, and perhaps greater than in any other spot in New-England. JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHARTER OF 16G3. Having already aUuded to John Clarke, and the important part which he took in the cause of religious liberty, we now propose to enter more fully on the work, as this is a point of vital interest to the inhabitants of the ancient metropolis. Too long have tho laurels been plucked from his brow to grace those of another,, without one voice being raised in its condemnation. JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHARTER OF 1663. 69 Like Amoricus Vespucius, who stole the glory from Columbus, to enrich and ennoble his own character, so has the merit been bestowed on WiUiams, which pre-eminently belongs to Clarke. We have said that owing to the decline of commerce in Now- port, which was her chief support, and which made her the second commercial emporium in tho Colonies, has followed in its train, a want of self-respect, in not fearlessly asserting her just claims, of being tho first in the sacred cause of human rights. Adverse providences in communities, as weU as indi viduals, are apt to lessen the interest which should ever pre dominate in the human mind, to stand by the principles which were purchased at a great sacrifice by our pious forefathers, and never permit them to be wrested from us with impunity. This has been sadly realized in the matter now under consider ation. There has been a spirit at work in this State which has operated most sensibly against that true independence of character, which, ought most especially to distinguish this people above others. A few have assumed to have in posses. sion all the wisdom, to guide and direct tho affairs both of Church and State, and to crush the least emotion of patriotism, which has occasionally burst forth from the bosom of others. It is to this cause alone that we attribute the want of talent so obviously witnessed in this State. The question is often asked by those of other States, — " Are there no minds in Ehode Island quaUfied to compete with men of other sections, whose abilities have assisted them to the highest posts of honor and distinc tion ?" Our reply has ever been in the affirmative ; and that the only, cause has arisen from not encouraging and putting men forward, but rather - laboring to hold them back, for fear that their own ignorance would be the more apparent. What other valid reason can be offered ? Have we not facilities for education ? Is there not an institution called Brown University, which professes to rank high in the scale of literature ? Then what prevents the development of mind ? Is the moral soil sterile and unproductive ? Is this our unhappy lot ? The reason is too plain and obvious to admit of a question — ^it is the want of independence to speak out boldly our thoughts ; every thing has become stereotyped, in morals and in politics, so that tho moment a sentiment is advanced, not in agreement with previous views', such minds must be sacrificed on the altar of 70 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. prejudice. While they prate much of the " land of Eoger Williams," as the haUowed spot where liberty of conscience is enjoyed, it is, alas, only in thewy! while thfe practical working is restriction with a vengeance. Now, this spirit did not formerly exist to that degree in tho capital of the State, and God grant that it never may. Never let it be said that on the spot which contains the ashes of a Clarke and a Coddington, the people have become so far recreant to the principles espoused by those sainted patriots, as to permit the light which emanated from them to be extinguished forever. Mr. Clarke procured the Charter, against the combined in fluence of Massachusetts, whose appointed agents were Edward Winslow, and John Winthrop. The honor of obtaining the charter of 1663, belongs to John Clarke alone ; for, as Mr. Backus has observed, " There is not one word in the first charter about ' Eeligion, or Liberty of Conscience.' But John Clarke's charter of Charles the 2d, has it fully expressed." — ^Backus, vol. l,p. 91. Now when it is considered that Mr. Clarke mortgaged his property to go on his mission, and was absent twelve years from his family ; and at tho court of Charles 2d, labored as.siduously to procure the instrument, and did procure it, — who, we ask, has the right to share with him the honor ? It was his conciliating manners, which was the means in the accompUshment of the object. It was a most remarkable instniment, considering the source from whence it emanated. It granted every thing which Mr. Clarke wished or desired, and the State would have been far better off, had they remained under it to this day. For, in throwing it off, so far from improving their liberties, the result has been a diminution of their political rights. In Allen's Biographical Dictionary^ article, " Clarke, John, — On the principles afterwards set forth in the ' Declaration of American Independence,' as you have justly observed ; and, perhaps, Mr. Editor, you may not bo aware of the fact, that Mr. Jefferson himself stated to a gentleman of this State, now deceased, who visited him about twenty years ago, that he derived those principles from our ancestors, with whoso history and writings he seemed to bo minutely acquainted, and espe- ciaUy of Mr. Clarke, of whom he spoke, highly contrasting him with WilUams, Locke, &c., and preferring him for his mild. JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHARTER OF 1663. 71 yet firm consistency with which he maintained the great principles which he promulgated contemporaneously with WiUiams, (while Locke was forty years behind them,) and for his persevering, self sacrificing, and efficient efforts in establishing them in the charter he procured of Charies II. To Mr. Clarke, he gave the credit of being the author, as well as procurer of that charter. And here I would observe, that great injustice has boon done to Mr. Clarke, in ascribing to Mr. WilUams the authorship of that charter; and why deprive Mr. Clarke, whose ability, diUgence, and interest in the hearts of our superiors our fathers praised and confided in, of the credit due to his services ? Was he in ferior to Mr. WiUiams in talents, education, weight of charac ter, influence, or efficiency of service ? I believe it to be suscep tible of proof, that he was not, in either. Neither was Mr. WiUiams in England at the time, — he went in company with Mr. Clarke, in 1651, but returned in 1654, while Mr. Clarke continued steadily at his post, to look after the interests of the colony, contending with the agents of Massachu setts and Connecticut, until 1663. And the, charter which he procured of King Charles, contains no principles which Mr. Clarke had not maintained before he left Ehode Island. Indeed, ' as early as the 12th of March, 1640, long before the settlements were united, the Assembly of the island, solemnly recognized the great principles of civil and religious liberty, and passed the " first legislative act on record, relating to liberty of conscience." — Monday's Gourrier, in relation to the late " New-England Festival" in New- York. Here is an admission which we are very happy to chronicle. Thus, the claim of Mr. Williams, resting as it does, on the sup posed influence of Sir Henry Fane, mus.t fall, and the charter must stand as the charter of John Clarke, and he be allowed to share equally with Mr. Williams, the high honor of estabUshing the first government in the world, which gave to all, equal civil and religious liberty. To Mr. Clarke, the colony of Ehode Island was, in our opinion, indebted in a greater degree, than to any other of her founders. He was the original projector of the settlement of tho island, and one of its first and oldest civiUans. In reducing the government to order, Mr. Clarke was much relied on, and hold tho first rank in legislative intelUgence. He was to the rude and boisterous materials among which his lot was east, what the pendulum is 72 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. to the time-piece. We never find him engaged in angry contro versy with those of different persuasions ; but, on tho contrary, endeavoring to practice and establish what he professed, tolera tion to all. — Memoirs of Rhode Island. After Mr. Clarke's return, he was " improved" in various public offices, was elected Deputy Governor, throe years suc cessively, in two of which he accepted the office, but all the con. corns of tho State did not prevail with him, as it has done with many, to neglect tho affairs of religion. We think that it would be fully as appropriate to call it the land of Clarke as of WilUams, after having read the evidence which has boon offered, of who was the actual procurer of the charter of Charles II., in 1663. It behooves the inhabitants of Newport, to speak of his name and to venerate his worth. Lot it be. emblazoned on some public building, " to be known and read of all men," that our children may learn to esteem a man who has bequeathed to them, such inestimable privileges. Many scarcely know that such a one ever existed, or fulfilled his part so well. Be it our duty to rescue from oblivion, his name and noble deeds, which were appreciated by so gifted a mind as Jefferson's. The subject is a fruitful one, and might be extended, but we are reminded that in a work like this, brevity is required, in order to glance at the various events which have occurred in our history. Lot tho Plantations exult and triumph in its founder, Eoger WilUams, whUe the State of Ehode Island, of which Newport is the capital, should continue to glory in tho memory of the sainted, patriotic John Clarke, its founder and benefactor, whose moral character has never been surpassed, and his piety never boon questioned. 1666. Dr. John Clarke was appointed by the Assembly to digest the laws. THE RECEPTION OF THE CHARTER BY THE PEOPLE OF NEWPORT. This Charter was received with great joy. It was brought from Boston by Capt. George Baxter, and was read pubUcly at Newport, Nov. 24, 1663. The records say : " Tho said letters, with His Majesty's royal stamp, and the RECEPTION OF THE CHARTER BY THE PEOPLE. 73 broad seal,''with much becoming gravity, were held up on high, and presented to the public view of the people." Thanks were voted to the King, to the Earl of Clarendon, and to Mr. Clarke, together with a resolution to pay all his ex penses, and to present him with £100. It was also voted that £25 sterling be paid to Capt. George Baxter from the colony, for his services as bearer of the Charter. This was a proud day for Newport — she appeared in her true dignity, and felt her superiority. The first Assembly under the Charter, the fundamental law of the State, was held at Newport, March 4th, 1663-4. Mr. Benedict Arnold was created by the Charter, the first Governor, WilUam Brenton, Lieut. Governor, and WiUiam Baulston, Wil liam Field, John Greene, John CoggeshaU, Joseph Clarke, James Barker, Eoger WilUams, Thomas Olney, John Porter, Eandal Houldon, assistants. The following are the names of the deputies who wore re turned from Newport : John Card, Eichard Tew, John Cran ston, WiUiam Dyre, John Gould, and Caleb Car, afterwards Governor of the State. At this session the Seal of the colony was fixed. An anchor, with the word Hope, over it, and the words Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, as foUows : 74 THE HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. It was voted that the island called, Patience, bo added and joined to Portsmouth. This was the commencement of a new era in the history of the State, and the people continued to venerate this charter until within a few years, when it was thought that too great inequal ity existed in the representation, and in the elective franchise, but tho effects which followed tho attempt to change the mode and form of government, being of so painful and ludicrous a character, has rather led us to doubt whether, on tho whole, we have actually gained or lost, by throwing aside the charter and adopting a Constitution, which is now the fundamental law of the State. An extension in theory and in practise, is quite a different thing ; there may bo tho semblance of liberty, while liberty does not in fact, exist. It would have been full as politic to have retained the charter, and extended suffrage to every native-born citizen, with such other improvements as were necessary, as to have abandoned an instrument which embodied so many privi leges, and under which the State so long enjoyed peace, happi ness, and prosperity. But steam power is now in operation, and we must got off the track. THE CHAIR OF STATE. The old chair of state, in which Governor Benedict Arnold sat at the reception of the charter in 1663, when it was pro claimed in tho presence of all the freemen of the Colony, at Newport, is stiU in being, though somewhat shorn of its pris tine honors. It belongs to our respected fellow-citizen, Isaac Gould, Esq., at whose house in Thames-street, it may at any time be seen. A TALE OF TIMES PAST,— IN THE DAYS OF GOVERNOR BENEDICT ARNOLD. " Old chair, no longer aches the head, Of him who sal in stately pride On thy oak seat, whilst heralds read What moderns now deride — The ' CHAnTBR I' " THE CHAIR OF STATE. 75 " On a bright summer's day, as sweetly shone the son, Tho streets of Newport echoed, to the sound of gun and drum j , And bravely shone each ofaoer, with pointed bead and lace, And lovely smil'd each maiden, to all of the olden race. Arnold a brave war-horse strode, which proudly tramp'd the way, Pursued his course, with tabonrs bright, look'd decorous and gay ; Loud cheers ascended high, from tower, and tent, and shore. As troop on troop of soldiers grim, pass'd by with trumpet's roar. Banner and pennon, waving wide, on arquebuss and blade, Seem'd proudly brave, and shone with joy, on Newport's gay parade ; On a bright canopy, covered o'er, with crimson cloth and gold, On which was wrought by skilful hands, heraldic emblems bold. Stood this Old Chair of by-gone days, the Charter's oaken seat, Whereon emblazon'd, rich and gay, did England's arms complete The Chair, — with fitting panoply, high backed, strong, and grand, That old oak Chair, look'd gaily there, forever may it stand. ' Long live King Charles !' the heralds cried, and thousands did reply. While Abhold, with a noble grace, sat in the old chair high ; Lady high-born, and lovely maid, knight, squire, and page were seen, Disporting on that gala day, in gariuents rich and sheen. The heavens smil'd, the birds sang gay, and music £11' d the air, On that bright day of pageantry, thou olden oaken Chair ; But many a year has long gone by, and all those glories fled. While he who sat upon that seat, now sleeps among the dead. And save his crumbling grave-stone dim, with tall grass overgrown, With letters dim, to tell of him, old Chair, thou art alone ; That dream has fled, and gay no more, the world glides careless by, The Chair of State no more is great, or glitters in the eye." Newport being the metropoUs, as she was the most flou/rish- ing and populous town in the Colony, the freemen of the whole Colony assembled there, to vote for general officers for the year ensuing, agreeably to " An Act regulating the Elections of General Officers." 76 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. LAWS, Made and passed by tho General Assembly of His Majesty's Colony of Ehode Island, and Providence Plantations, begun and hold at Newport, the first day of March, 1663-1664 : " And that each and every person that shall vote by proxy, shaU, on the Town Meeting-day next preceding the General Election, openly, in said meeting, deliver in his votes to the Town-Clerk of tho town wherein he dweUs, with his name written at length on the backside or the bottom thereof, which votes so taken shaU be immediately sealed up by the Town- Clerk, and by him delivered either to an Assistant Justice, Warden, or Deputy of said town, who shall bo by the said Town-meeting appointed for the same ; by him delivered to the Governor or Deputy Governor in open Court, before the Election proceed at Newport." This was the origin of the word " Prox," or " Proxing- day." It will bo seen that the privilege granted by the above Act of voting by proxy at the General Election at Newport, seems first to have become a law at this time. But voting in person, at Newport, (if tho freeman preferred it,) was not aboUshod until August, 1760, nearly one hundred years afterwards. This was done for the bettor accommodation of those who, living at a remote distance from Newport, could not make it convenient always to attend in person. But such wore the attractions at the capital, that all that could attend, availed themselves of the privilege of being present, and enjoying the amusements, which were of the most interesting and pleasing character. Tradition informs us, that a sloop fiUed with freemen, was purposely run on the Bishop Eock, in order to favor one party, at the expense of the other. It was a common practice to get some of the freemen " half seas" over, and then land them on Prudence Island, or some other of tho intefmodiate places, in order to prevent their voting. Tho head-quarters in Newport, where they immediately repaired on their arrival, was Governor Wanton's, and Governor ARREST OF JOHN CLARKE. 77 Whepple's, in Thames-street, and others, where sumptuous tableS were spread, including wines and liquors of the choicest kinds, such as is rarely found at this day, and the effects fol lowing their indulgence, often led to angry discussion, and even to fisti-cuffing between the boUigeront parties. It must have been a novel sight, to have witnessed the crowds which congregated at Newport, under their /respective cham pions, nobly " battling" for their political preferences. The largest liberty was then enjoyed, each one felt that they pos sessed the sovereign right to speak out, and act out, their undisguised sentiments, without fear or favor. Political hypo crites, were not then so abundant ; and political principle was not then, as now, " five loaves and two small fishes," as the late .Hon. John C. Calhoun once remarked. It should be borne in mind, that there was no " gag law" in operation, and no proscription tolerated. Moral courage was a virtue, which thou animated the breast of man, and which would not allow him to pay a blind devotion at the shrine of Mammon, and thereby barter away his political rights for a " mess of pottage." Independence of character was the charaotei-istic of the period, agreeably to the principles adopted by the early settlers of tho island, and which had been sanctioned and approved by the freemen on the main. Mr. CaUender, in speaking of John Clarke, says, " He was a faithful and useful minister, courteous in all tho relations of life, aud an ornament to his profession, and to the several offices which ho sustained. His memory is deserving of lasting honor, for his efforts towards estabUshing the first government in the world, which gave to all equal civil and religious liberty. To no man is Ehode Island more indebted than to him. He was the original projector of the settlement of tho island, and one of its ablest legislators. No character in Now Engfland is of purer fame than John Clarke." It could scarcely be thought possible that so good a man as Mr. Clarke could have been arrested in the godly State of Mas sachusetts, and THRUST into prison ! and this on Lord's day, July 20th, 1651 ; and on the 31st of that month, by order of tho Court of Assistants, hold in Boston, Mr. Clarke and breth ren, received the foUowing sentence, viz. : Mr. Clarke pay £20, 78 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. or be severely whipped ; Mr. Holmes, £30, or be whipped ; and Mr. CrandaU, £5, or be whipped ; — and this alon'e for conscience toward God, in differing from their brethren in Massachusetts, on the subject of " Infant Baptism." None suffered whipping but Mr. Holmes, who received thirty stripes, administered with the greatest imaginable severity." — Ross's HistoricaZ Discourse. It is no wonder that Mr. Clarke labored to procure a charier, granting to aU civil and reUgious Uberty, after having experi enced such intolerance on the part of the Massachusett's ruler-s. Mr. Clarke died on the 20th April, 1676, in the 66th year of his age. Mr. Backus says, " he was bom October the 8th, 1609 ;^ married EUzabeth, the daughter of John Harges, Esq., of Bedfordshire, England. In a power of attorney signed by them, May 12, 1656, ho styles himself, ' John Clarke, physician, of London.' It was for the recovery of a legacy of £20 per annum, that was given her by her father, out of the Manor of Westingworth, Bedfordshire. Whore he had his education, I know not ; but the following clause in his wiU, may give some idea of his learning, viz. : 'Item, — unto my loving friend, Eichard Bayley, I give and bequeath my Concordance, and Lexicon thereto belonging, written by myself, being the fruit of several years' study ; my Hebrew Bible, Buxtorff 's and Parson's Lexicon, Cotton's Concordance, and all the rest of my books.' His first wife died without issue. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Fletcher, who died April 19th, 1672, leaving an only daughter, who died at the age of 1 1 years. His third wife was the widow, Sarah Davis, who survived him. Mr. Clarke, according to his request, was buried between his two wives, in the burial ground, on the west side of Tanner-street, (which lot he gave the Church.) He loft also an estate of con siderable value, in the hands of trustees, empowered to choose jiheir successors, for tho relief of the poor and the education of children, according to instructions given in his will, — which instructions are, ' That in the disposal of that which the Lord hath bestowed upon me, and with which I have now entrusted you, and your successors, shall have special regard and care ; to provide for those that fear the Lord ; and in all things, and at all times, so to discharge the trust which I have reposed in BEQUEST OP JOHN CLARKE. 79 you, as may be most to the glory of God, and the good and benefit of those for whom it is by me. especially intended." Mr. Clarke's estate was prized at £1080 12s., by James Barker, Thomas Ward, and Philip Edes, who made oath to the inventory. May 17, 1696. The farm and nock, they apprized at £530, and its late annual income has been $220, as Josias Lyn don, Esq., one of the assigns, stated.' The two farms in Mid dletown, contain about one hundred and fifty acres, and the rents arising from the same, at the present time, amount to $700 per annum. It is very evident that Mr. Clarke designed the gift to benefit the.poor, and to educate the children of the church. For no language could have been employed, more significant than he has employed : " You, and your successors, shall have special regard and care to provide for those who fear the Lord." They were the objects of his regard, and ho felt constrained, as a Christian, that the sheep and lambs of tho flock should be pro vided for, and not permitted to want, which would be a gross reflection on the Christian character. This will, we conceive, has been perverted from the original intent of the donor, by ap propriating a portion of the income to the support of the minis try, to the neglect of the poor. We are not apprised whether any case at present exists, where the poor and indigent have occasion to seek shelter in tho town Asylum ; we trust, for the honor of our native town, that such is not the case. Such, how ever, has been the painful fact, and so long as the poor of the church are not sought out and made comfortable, not one dollar of the Clarke bequest should be appropriated to the support of the ministry. The " glory of God," which has been construed to favor the diversion of this gift, can in no higher sense be pro moted, than in feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked ; for God's glory consists essentially, in his goodness. Gov. Lyndon owned the house which he gave the Society for a parsonage, but which unfortunately has passed into other hands. Mr. Clarke left three brothers — "Thomas, Joseph, and Carew. The numerous family of Clarkes, of Ehode Island, mostly sprung from them. Joseph Clarke settled in Westerly, E. I. We find that the Eev. Joseph Clarke, jr., was in the Seventh-Day Bap tist church of Westerly, now Hopkinton, also the Eev. Joseph Clarke, sen., stands enrolled as a paember of said church. In 80 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. 1692, he was clerk of said church, and resigned that office May 21, 1708, and Joseph Clarke, jr., was appointed tofiUthat place. Eev. Joseph Clarke was ordained Aug. 12th, 1712. Eev. Thos. Clarke was ordained as older, Oct. 2, 1750. Eev. Joshua Clarke, his son, was ordained as elder, in May, 1768. All tho foregoing Clarkes, except John, have boon pastors of the church of Hop kinton, then Westerly. — From the Church Records. Judge Samuel Clarke, of Portsmouth, E. I., is in regular descent from this highly distinguished family. He has six broth ers and two sisters, now Uving at ClarkesviUe, Brookfield, N. Y. The Hon. John H. Clarke, Senator to Congress, from Ehode Island, is also of the same family, and has distinguished himself in the various important stations which he has been caUed to occupy. Also W. Edward Clarke, Esq., of Providence, who has in his possession the Bible, formerly belonging to John Clarke. TO THE MEMORY OF DOCTOR JOHN CLARKE, One of the original purchasers and proprietors of tliis Island ; and one of the founders of the First Baptist Church in Newport, its first pastor, and munificent benefactor. He died on the 20th of April, 1676, in the 66th year of his age j And is here Interred. THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS TRUSTEES. May the descendants of the Clarke's follow the example of their illustrious predecessor. Jeremiah Clarke. — We have not been able to trace any con nection between this family and that of John Clarke, one of the first settlors. It is possible that they were remotely connected, though we should rather be incUned to doubt it. Jeremiah Clarke was Governor of tho colony in 1745, and died in New port, nth month, 1751, and was buried in a tomb which now stands by the water side. — Friends' Records. He was father of Governor Walter Clarke. Weston Clarke, the Eecorder, and Eev. James Clarke, of the Second Baptist church of Newport, were grandsons of Jeremiah Clarke. They were among the early settlors of Newport. Many of their des cendants have been highly respectable. THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT. 81 There is a tradition that this family originated from the Hon. Lewis Latham, who was 'Falconer to His Majesty, King Charles I. This was an office of distinction. He is also said to have been an illegitimate chUd of King Charles, the sot, and lived to the advanced age of 100 years. This Latham subsequently mar ried, and had two daughters, one of whom married Eandal Houlden, of Warwich, one of the original settlers, and tho other a Clarke, the father of Jeremiah, and the grandfather of Walter Clarke, and these are the descendants of said Lewjs Latham. The name of Latham is often found as the Christian name of families in Newport. We had in our possession, until within a few years, a portrait of Lewis Latham, but by«ome unac countable negligence on the part of tho person who had it in charge, it cannot be found. He was a venerable looking man, with a long flowing beard reaching to his bosom : there was also a coat of arma,appended. Wo think that, considering all the circumstances, Jeremiah Clarke, the father of Walter, could not have been related to John. Walter Clarke was, how ever, a distinguished man in tho colony. He owned tho land from the corner of the Parade, as far as to the Jonathan Marsh estate, afterwards belonging to Wm. I. TiUey, to tho water, and extending to Clarke-street, named in honor of him. There is one singular fact connected with the Clarkes of Ehode Island, that the name ends with an " e," by which they can be distin guished from the other families who bear tho name. ^ We have said much more of this family, especially of John Clarke, than wo otherwise should have done, had there not been a disposition on the part of historians, to treat his name and good deeds with indifference, in order to exalt Eoger WiUiams, and Providence, of which he was the founder, at the expense of the honor and glory of Newport. THE COMMERCUL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT. As late as 1769, Newport outrivalled Now- York, in her for eign and domestic commerce. The inhabitants of New- York, New-Haven, New-London, &c., depended entirely on Newport for a market to supply themselves with foreign goods, and here they found a ready market for the produce of their own States. 82 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. Her merchants were among the most enterprising and ¦«^ealthy. Mr. Aaron Lopez, is said to have employed more than thirty sail of vessels, of different descriptions, at one time. Mr. Lopez was the first, or among the first, to push the whaling business as far as the Falkland Islands. Col. Godfrey Malborn, was an extensive ship-owner, and did much in building up the town, of which we shall speak more particularly. Jonathan Nichols was an enterprising merchant of Newport, and son of Deputy- Governor Nichols ; he was distinguished for his enterprise, pub- Uc spirit, hospitality , and charity — rare virtues combined. Ho was extensively engaged in foreign commerce, and owned at the time of his death, sixteen sail of vessels. His residence was the estate on the Point, now owned by the heirs of tho late Hon. William Hunter, which at that time had one of the best wharfs and ranges of stores in Newport, all of which he built. The work manship of the interior of this house, is truly elegant and costly; the stair-ways being of English oak, and twisted, with the rich carved pannel work, shows tho taste of its former owner, and the great superiority of tho ancient buildings over the modem. There is also the Cheesborough estate, at present belonging to the heir of the late Hon. C. G. ChampUn ; the Eedwood House, on Bridge-street, now in possession of tho widow Pierce ; the Tillinghast property, now in possession of Gov. W. C. Gibbs ; the Eedwood House in Thames street, with its heavy iron gate, now the residence of the widow of S. F. Gardner, Esq. ; and the Gov. Wanton estate, in Thames street, with others, which clearly proves that a sad deterioration has taken place in the mode and manner of building, and corresponds well with the ininds of the present age. Mr. Nichols was for many years a deputy from Newport, afterwards an assistant, and at the time of his death was Deputy Governor of the Colony. He died on the 8th of September, 1756. He was great-grandfather to Edward Hazard, Esq., of the Park House, Newport. Messrs. E. and F. Malborn, Henry ColUns, the Wantons, and many other merchants, also did an immense business before the revolution. The remains of the foundations of old wharves, from Eobinson's Wharf on the Point, to Overing's at the ex treme south, a distance of one mUe, which at that interesting period were crowded with commerce, will give the reader some idea of the prosperity of Newport. THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT. 83 The town at this time was in the zenith of her commercial prosperity. The population is said to have been 12,000. She had about two hundred vessels employed in the foreign trade, and between three and four hundred coasting vessels, including a regular line of London packets, and employing no less than twenty-two hundred seamen. Such was the amount of business done at that period, that goods were not stored, owing to the want of room, whUe the wharves were Uterally covered with merchandize, viz. : sugar, rum, molasses, and every kind of foreign and domestic articles. Tho coasters would take on board the merchandize, as before remarked, and proceed to New- York and Connecticut, where there was a quick demand, which went to build up and enrich the town of Newport, We have been told an anecdote of Capt. Hicks, of Warren, who, coming to this port with a load of hoop-poles, found great difficulty in finding a place to land, having passed every wharf without finding room for his cargo, until he reached Overing's wharf at the extreme south of the town. Her West India trade was immense. This grew partly out • of the quantity of rum which was there distilled, there being, in full blast, about thirty distUlerios. This gave constant employ ment to coopers, — their shops were to be found on almost every wharf — ^brass-founders, aiid to draymen, and others, for all par ticipated in the benefits resulting from this extensive trade. There was around the Cove, some ten or twelve distilleries, as the remains of the old cisterns plainly show. Simon Newton owned two ; the groat-grandfather of tho firm of E. F. Newton, brothers, Samuel Johnson, the Eich- ardsons, and WiUiam Burroughs, each owned a distillery. In this section of the town, the business done was immense. There ¦was seven wharves in the Cove, and before the Long Wharf were extended, vessels entered the Cove and discharged their cargoes ; and subsequently, through the drawbridge. The town, at the same time, contained seventeen' manufac turers of sperm oil and candles, also three sugar refineries, one brewery, and five or more ropewalks. Tweedy, apothecary, a large importer and exporter of drags ; such was his business, that he suppUed Ehode Island, a part of Massachusetts, all Connecticut and North CaroUna, with 84 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. drugs, and had an establishment in New- York, where mer chants might ascertain his prices; this appeared from his books, when in the hands of the late Dr. Edmund T. Waring. Stephen Dellois, Esq., had a large wholesale hardware store, as also Stephen Ayrault, Samuel Ayrault, Thomas Wilkinson. Those were all importers, and did an extensive business. Now- port, at this period, was the grand emporium of trade. We have heard aged men remark, ' that they have known of the arrival of eighteen West Indiamen in one day." It was said, at that period, however strange it may sound, " that possibly New-York ihight, in time, equal Newport." A degree of activity then prevailed, which would astonish us at this day. CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS. It is to be regretted that the books and papers at this period are lost, in the regular set, which would have afforded us cor rect statistics of the amount of merchandize imported into Newport. We have procured, quite incidentally, from Mrs. Dudley, widow of tho "late Hon. Charles Dudley, Esq., former Mayor of Albany, who was the only son of Charles Dudley, Esq., Collector under the Crown, some portions of the records of the Customs, which will aid the reader in forming an opinion of the extent of commerce at the period of 1768-9. These quarterly returns were forwarded from England by the executor of Charles Dudley, Esq., a few years since. What became of the regular set of books, and papers, belonging to the Customs, is entirely unknown. It appears by the books and papers in the author's possession, that in the year 1768-9, the entries and clearances amounted to some hundreds of vessels. CUSTOM" HOUSE RECORDS. 85 " INSTEUCTIONS, BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S CUSTOMS IN AMERICA, To CHAELES DUDLEY, Esq., Who is appointed Collector of the Customs, at the Port of Ehode Island, in America. " You being deputed to be Collector of the Customs at the Port of Ehode Island, and you having given bond to His Majesty, with sufficient security, in the sum of one thousand pounds sterling, for the due execution of said employment, you are, to take the foUowing oath, besides tho oaths prescribed by the Act of 1st Geo. 1st, 13, before you enter upon your office. [form of oath.] " I^ , do swear, to be true and faithful in the execution, to the best of my knowledge and power, of the trust committed to my charge and inspection, in the service of His Majesty'' s Customs ; and that I will not take any Reward or (Gratuity, directly or indirectly, other than my Salary, and what is or shall be allowed me from the Crown, or the regular Fees established by Law, for any service done, or to be done, in the execution of my employment in the Customs, on any account whatsoever. " So help me God- Collectors,ComptroUers, Land Surveyors and Searchers, Land Waiters, Tide Surveyors, Tides-men, Coast Surveyors and Eiding Officers, Waiters and Searchers, and Preventive Officers,. Boatmen or Watermen." [From tho original printed Instructions, in a pamphlet form, containing thirty-nine pages.] 86 HISTORY OF RHOBE ISLAND. " Amount of Molasses imported into Newport, for tho Quarter ending tho 10th of October,. 1769,-3,000 hogsheads. The Names of the Vessels which brought the same, with the Masters and Owners : Ship's Name, Sally EangorEecovery Industry Betsy Hope Adventure DiamondNancyPinnock Abigail Speedwell Dolphin PollyPollyDolphin Master's Name. Simon Smith Jeremiah Cranston James Eathbone John Peters John Stanton Phineas Gilbert William Ladd Joram Place Joseph Littlefield Sabinus Palmer George EoUand John Briggs James Thomas Joshua Blivon Giles Stanton Henry Weedon Where from. SurinamHispaniola do. Jamaica St. Lucia Hispaniola do. do. St.EustatiaJamaica St. Luoia Jamaica Hispaniola Jamaica do.do. Merchant's name. Jos. & Wm. WantoH Peleg Thurston & Son Aaron Lopez Silas Cook Myer PoUock ChristopherChamplin John Collins Myer Pollock Henry Bowers John Fletcher William Eeed William Vernon E. & F. Malborn George Gibbs Charles Wickham CHAELES DUDLEY, Collector, JOHN NICHOLL, Comptroller. Port of Ehode Island, Quarter ending 10th of October, 1769." The amount of duties paid was $4,000. It should be home in mind, however, that it was coosidored just and equitable to rob the king of the revenue. Hence, but a portion of the cargoes was entered at the Customhouse, while the remainder was run. The officers of tho Customs under the Crown, were not very conscientious ; and it has been said that a guinea, being placed over one eye, had considerable effect, whUe another guinea rendered them bUnd to what was going on. Tho bulk of the cargoes was placed on board of coasters and sent off ; this was usually done in the night, as being a more favorable time to accomplish their object. An aged man, who was employed on Col. Malborn's wharf, informed the author, that "• the scenes enacted there, indicated spirit and activity, rarely witnessed in any commercial town, even at this day." CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS. 87 " Dudley, AppeUant, — Shaw, Eespondent. /^ g ^ " Colony of Ehode Island, &c. ) ^ ¦ ¦' Court of Vice- Admiralty. ) " George the Third, by tho Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. ' " To the Marshal of our Court of Vice- Admiralty, &c., or to his lawful Deputy, — Greeting : " Whereas, an information was filed in our Court of Vice- Admiralty, by Eobert Keeler, Esq., Commander of His Majes ty's ship, the Mercury, against one h'undred and nine casks of molasses, and two casks of coffee, for violation of the acts of ParUament ; and on the twenty-eighth of November last past, the Hon. John Andrews, Esq., decree was promulgated, whereby the said one hundred and nine casks of molasses, and two casks of coffee, were condemned and forfeited, and did further order and decree that said molasses and coffee be sold at a public vendue, and the monies arising from the sale thereof, to bo dis tributed agreeably to act of Parliament, &c. " You are therefore hereby required, pursuant to the afore said decree, to sell the said one hundred and nine casks of molasses, and two casks of coffee, this instant, being the fifth day of March, A. D., 1773, at ton o'clock in tho forenoon, to the highest bidder, for sterling money, and you are to make true return of said sale, into the Eegister's office of said Court. Witness, John Andrews, Esq., Commissary and Judge of said Court, at Newport, tho 5th day of March, A. D., 1773, and in tho thirteenth year of our reign. Thomas Vernon Deputy Register." " Newport, March 5, 1773. " At ten o'clock in the forenoon, pursuant to tho within war rant, I have sold one hundred and seven casks of molasses, con taining 9,813 gallons, to Charles Dudley, Esq., at lOci sterling, per gaUon, £408 17 6 And two casks of coffee, to ditto, weight, 364 lbs., at 6d per lb., 9 2 0 £417 19 6 The said Charles Dudley, Esq., being the highest bidder. William Mumford, Deputy Marshal." (A true copy frorn the original manuscript.) 88 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND. POWER OF ATTORNEY. " I, Charles Dudley, of Newport, in the County of Newport, Esq., do hereby make, and appoint, and in my place put James Honyman, and Henry Marchant, both of Newport, aforesaid, Esqrs., my attornies, and each of them my attorney in a certain action of trespass, upon the case commenced and prosecuted by Nathaniel Shaw, jun., of S'ew-London, in the County of New- London, and Colony of Connecticut, merchant, against me, the said Charles Dudley, at the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, to be held at Providence, for the County of Providence, upon the third Monday of Juno, A. D., 1773. And do hereby em power the said James Honyman, and Henry Marchant, jointly, and each of them separately, and by himself, in my name, and to appear in tho Inferior Court aforesaid, or in any other Court whatsoever, and there to plead, defend, and pursue to final judgment and 'execution, with full power of substitution. " Witness my hand and seal, tho 14th daj' of June, A. D., 1775, and in tho thirteenth year of His Majesty's reign, George the Third, King, &c. Charles Dudley, (l. s.) " Signed, sealed, and delivered, in presence of John Grolea, jun., Ben. Peckham." " Newport, ss. — At Newport, upon the day and year afore said, in his proper person, cometh Charles Dudley, above-named, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be his act and deed. Before J. Grelea, jun.. Justice of the Peace." A true copy from tho original manuscript in tho author's pos session. This action grow out of tho seizure and sale of the molasses and coffee above-named. George Eome, Esq., (pronounced Eoom,) was a native of England, and for several years a successful merchant of New. port. Ho owned a valuable house, with a wharf and stores, on Easton's Point, on tho spot known as Gibbs' ship-yard, whore he carried on an extensive business. On the commencement of hostiUties, ho returned to England, and his valuable pro- custom house records. 89 perty in Newport and Narragansett, was confiscated. He lived in splendor, and entertained his friends with sumptuous hospitaUty. He had a summer residence in Narragansett, which he styled " Bachelor's Hall." He occasionally gave large par ties, at which the ladies and gentlemen of Boston, Newport, and Narragansett, would equally mingle. Punch was the fashion able beverage at that period, and the entertainment at " Bache lor's HaU" was extravagant. In the Stamp Act excitement, he strongly espoused the cause of the Crown. The gross charge of Mr. Eome, of corruption and partiaUty, against the Legislature, the Courts and Juries of the Colony, with the advice to annul the charter, and create a government more dependent on the Crown, produced an exas peration too powerful to be withstood,, and apprehending dan ger, soon after his release from prison, he fled on board of the Eose, manof war, then lying in Narragansett Bay. Having noticed the extensive business of Mr. Eome, on the Point, we would also notice the manufacturers of furniture, which at that period was quite extensive on the Point, and which was shipped to foreign markets. On Bridge-street was Constant Bayley, Thojnas Townsend, Job, Edmond, Christo pher, and John ; these all had establishments, and employed a groat number of hands, manufacturing furniture, for which a ready market was found in New- York and the West Indies. John Goddard, and Benjamin Peabody, had also cabinet makers' shops on Washington-street, which carried on a large trade with Surinam. On tho east side of Washington-street and corner of the Long Wharf, stood tho store of Joseph Hammond, a shipping mer chant, who built the large house, since known as thi Washing ton House. Next, north, stood the spermaceti works of Myer Pollock, who was extensively engaged in manufacturing oil and candles, and stored large quantities of goods for others. The stores of David Huntington and Benjamin Barker, wore also on tho Point ; both these men were extensively engaged in manufacturing furniture, which they shipped to Now- York and the West Indies. Besides the above, there wore three tannorioB on the same street, and all in successful operation ; they were owned by Eobert Taylor, WilUam Potter, and Bently. 90 history of RHODE ISLAND. Holmes' Wharf, was a great place for business ; on it stood Carter's cooper's shop, Monroe's block-maker's shop, Graftin's sail-loft, and over that a rigging loft. Bowen's ship-yard. John CoUin's wharf and store ; ho was engaged in successful trade until the war, when tho British destroyed his property, one house excepted. During the war, 17 buildings were destroyed on Bridge- street. It will, no doubt, appear quite novel to tho reader to be made acquainted with these facts, when contrasted with present ap pearances. But in no section of the town, at that day, was there want of employment. It was tho great commercial mart, and merchants resorted there, to trade and traffic, as well as to enjoy the hospitality of the inhabitants, which was then un bounded. HENRY COLLINS, ESQ. Henry CoUins, deserves to be recorded with gratitude and respect. He was a native of Newport, and born March, 1699. He was educated in England, and on his return to his native country, adopted the profession of merchant, in which he was for a time eminently successful. He was a man of cultivated taste, and fond of literature — he animated and encouraged kin dred spirits, and in 1730, with several associates, formed a Ute- rary and philosophical society in Newport, which was the first that was ever formed in the colony, and probably was one of tho earliest in America. This society afterwards comprised many of the prominent men in the colony, and some in Massa chusetts and Connecticut. Ho is said to have been tho pro jector of the plan for a Library Association, in Newport, for which purpose he gave tho valuable lot of land on which the edifice of the Eedwood Library waserected, and was for many years one of the directors of the Institution. Ho was a munificent patron of the arts, and by his patronage to Smybert, Alexander, Tocke, &c., we are indebted for many valuable paintings of the ancient Patriarchs, which are stUl to be found in Newport. p;* ¦";i^ "'^' "C^f'7' 1 ^ , ' ' ,'-11 t^-^^ J "V5«,1 i I ssst-^ uerf (^ HENRY COLLINS, ESQ. 91 He formed a gallery of paintings, which tho venerable Dr. Waterhouse remembers to have seen \n his youthful days. In a letter to the Eev. Eomeo Elton, he thus speaks : " Henry Col Uns was a wealthy merchant and man of taste — the Lorenzi de Me dici, of Ehode Island ; he caused a painting to be made of Parson CaUender, as well as some other divines, as Hitchcox, Clap, and Dean Berkley, which I have often admired in the CoUins' collec tion." The painting of Mr. Clap is now in the possession of the Congregational church in Spring-street, and we would suggest to tho First Baptist church of Newport, and of America, too, that they should take immediate measures to obtain the portrait of i Mr. CaUender, which has been taken from Newport and placed in the Historical Building in Providence, whore it does not justly belong. Such things should never be permitted to exist, without obtaining redress. Mr. CoUins was at tho head of every public improvement in Newport ; as the extension of the Long Wharf, and tho building of the Brick Market, or Granary, in the year 1 763. The architect was Peter Harrison ; it was bmlt after the Ionic order. The upper story, for many years, was used for a theatre, before it was altered into a Town Hall. " Whereas, the Proprietors of the Long Wharf, in Newport, aforesaid, have made a grant, on the twenty-fourth day of July, A. D. 1760, to tho said town of Newport, of a lot of land, for erecting a Market House, &c., it is therefore voted, that Mar tin Howard and Josias Lydon, Esqrs., be a committee, and they are hereby confirmed to make and give a good deed of said lot, to the town of Newport, agreeable to said grant. " And that the upper part be divided into stores for dry- goods, and lot out to the best advantage ; and all the rents thereof, together with all the profits that shaU arise on said bmlding, shall be lodged in the Town Treasury of said town of Newport, towards a stock for purchasing grain, for supplying a Public Granary forever. And that said building be erected agreeably to a plan to be agreed on by said Proprietors, to be estimated at twenty-four thousand pounds, old tenor, to be raised by the lottery now on foot. " Tho lower part thereof for a Market House, and for no other use whatsoever, forever ; (unless it shall be found convenient to appropriate some part o4 it for a watch-house.) A handsome 92 history of RHODE ISLAND. brick building, to be thirty-three foot in front, or in width, and about sixty-six feet in length." — From the Records of the Proprietor of the Long Wharf. It is undorsfood that there is a fine portrait of Mr. Collins still in being, which is said to be now in possession of some one of the family of the late Dr. Henry Flagg, of South Carolina. It ought to be placed in the Eedwood Library. He was a mem ber of tho Seventh-Day Baptist church, and was one of the com mittee for erecting the house of worship. Such wore tho merchants of Newport in the past. 1775. On the 15th of November, Charles Dudley, Esq., the king's Collector of tho Customs for Ehode Island, _;?e(i for refuge on board a ship of war. He married tho daughter of Eobert Cranston, of Newport. He died in England, and his family returned to America. His son was tho Hon. Charles Dudley, of Albany. Mr. Dudley owned, and occupied the seat, a short distance from Newport, caUod "Dudley Place," at present owned by the heirs of the late Governor Charles Collins. Edward Vanzant, Esq. is the present proprietor of this charm ing retreat ; a gentleman of fine manners, who takes delight in rendering every attention to visitors. Mr. Dudley is said to have boon a man of polished manners ; his portrait, in the cos tume of a courtier, shews him off to groat advantage, — it is in tho possession of Mrs. Dudley, of Albany. In the weekly clubs then held in Newport, which embraced men of distinction, Mr. Dudley was usually one of the guests, and both amused and edified the company. At this memorable period, Newport was far in advance of the other towns and cities in the colonies, in the refined taste and the enlarged hospitality, which charac terized the inhabitants. This arose from the nature of the education then enjoyed, for where the mind is suffered to vege tate without moral culture, the fruit borne wiU resemble the grapes of Sodom, or the fabled apples which grew on the mar gin of the lake Asphaltites. Tho education of far too many at the present day, having been so crude and indigested, that the lustre, which is shod on the pathway of the intellectual mind, is not visible. A fine writer has remarked of Newport, that " there are few towns of any magnitude within our broad territory, in which so Uttle change has been effected in half * century, as in Newport. LOSS OF THE BRIG DOLPHIN. 93 Until the vast resources of the interior were developed, the beautiful island on which it stands, was a chosen retreat of the affluent planters of the South, from tho heats and diseases of their burning climate. Here they resorted in crowds, to breathe thd invigorating breezes of the sea. Subjects of the same government, the inhabitants of the Carolinas and of Ja maica met hero in amity, to enjoy free interchange of thought and foeUng. At the interesting period of 1769, the island was never more inviting and lovely. Its sweUing crests were still crowned with tho wood of centuries : its little vales were covered with the living verdure of tho north ; and its unpretending, but neat and comfortable villas lay sheltered in groves, and em bedded in flowers. The beauty and fertility of tho place gained for it a name, which, probably, expressed far more than was, at that early day, properly understood. The inhabitants pf the county styled their possessions tho "Garden of America." Neither were their guests from the scorching plains of the South, reluctant to concede so imposing a title of distinction. THE LOSS OF THE BRIO DOLPHIN. As the commerce of Newport whitened every sea, it was to be expected that disasters would occasionally occur. But this event caused painful anguish to many hearts. This year, 1767, was memorable for a melancholy disaster, that took place on the night of the 26th of August, off Point Judith. The brig Dolphin, Capt. John Malborn, (son of Evan,) from Kingston, Jamaica, with a valuable cargo of rum and sugar, and a number of passengers belonging to a theatrical company, took fire, and the vessel and cargo were entirely consumed ; five female passengers perished in tho cabin. The officers and crow, with the rest of the passengers, escaped to the shore in boats. The brig was a new vessel, of 210 tons, belonging to Messrs. E. & F. Malborn, merchants, of Newport. Among the pas- 94 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. sengers was Mr. Henry, the father of the American stage, and William B. Simpson, afterwards a lawyer of Newport. Mr. Henry's wife and daughter were among those who were lost. It is stated that the cabin-boy was sent below to draw some rum from a choice cask, and carelessly placing the light too near, it immediately ignited, and the cask burst ; tho report was like that of cannon. Capt. John Dennis was a native of England ; he came to Ehode island when a boy, having been apprenticed to a ship master in the London trade, belonging to Newport. Being of an active disposition, he soon became master of a vessel. He greatly distinguished himself by his daring courage, and suc cessful enterprise. In 1741, while cruising in the West Indies, ho so greatly annoyed the French islands, by the capture of their vessels and privateers, that the authorities of Martinique fitted out a vessel of 14 guns, and 130 men, expressly for the purpose of ridding themselves of so troublesome an enemy ; but in this they wore disappointed, for, after an engagement of nearly four hours, in which Capt. Dennis was sUghtly wounded, she was taken possession of by Capt. Dennis, and carried into St. Kitt's. Here he received the attention which ho had so justly merited, from the Governor, and other officers of the island, and who, as a testimony of respect for his valuable ser vices, presented him with a golden oar and a purse of five hundred pistoles. In the war of 1756, Capt. Dennis was selected to command the privateer ship Tay, of 18 guns, and 180 men, which was fitted out by the merchants of Newport, for tho purpose of annoying the Spanish commerce. This vessel sailed from New port on the 22nd of August, 1756, and was never heard from after sailing. He left a large family ; among his sons was the late Capt Thomas Dennis, for many years an enterprising merchant of Newport, and the late Capt. WilUam Dennis, a revolutionary patriot, who commanded, during the contest for Independence, no less than thirteen privateers. Their descendants are stiU found in Newport. 1745. This year two large ships wore built, and fitted out from Newport, as privateers, and were intended to cruise in company on the Spanish Main. They mounted 22 guns each, EVENTS IN THE WAR WITH FRANCE. 95 and were commanded, one by Capt. Brewer, and the other by Capt. Cranston. They sailed on the 24th of December, at the commencement of a north-east snow storm, which increased with great violence during the next day. These ships were never heard from after sailing, and the only conjecture that could be formed was, that they must have come in colUsion with each other during the thick snow storm, and both had gone down with aU on board. These ships wore fitted out, and principally owned, by Col. Godfrey Malborn, and the loss was considered as one of the greatest calamities that ever befel the town ; , beside the loss of property, upwards of four hundred lives were sacrificed^ and nearly two hundred women became widows by this disaster. EVENTS IN THE WAR WITH FRANCE. The legislature of Massachusetts decided, after much dis cussion, to invite the other Colonies to unite with them, in an expedition against Louisburgh, the Gibraltar of the French -American Provinces. Into the spirit of this enterprise, the legislature of Ehode Island entered with patriotic ardor ; and, at the May session of that body, passed a resolution to raise a regiment of one hundred and fifty men, exclusive of officers ; and that the Colony sloop, Tartar, bo fitted out, with a compli ment of ninety men, exclusive of officers. The expedition was crowned with success; ; and after a siege of forty-nine days, the city of Louisburgh, and the island of Cape Breton, was surrendered by the French, on June 17th, 1 745, to his Britannic Majesty. The capture of Louisburgh, by the Colonies, stung the Court of France with mortification and revenge, and they resolved to chastise them for their insolence- Accordingly, an expedition was fitted out for this purpose, consisting of forty ships of war, and fifty-six transports, with throe thousand five hundred men, and forty thousand stand of arms, for the French and Indians. The Colonies saw and acknowledged their danger, from their total inability to defend themselves, in case of an invasion by so 96 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. numerous and formidable a fleet ; and the inhabitants of the sea port towns were thrown into the greatest consternation. No people had more to fear from foreign invasion, in New England, than the people of Newport ; from the extent of her commercial interests, hor local situation, and the faciUty with which the town might be approached with tho largest ships of war, the inhabitants were thrown into the greatest agitation and distress. Nor were those apprehensions allayed, until in Octo ber, it was ascertained that God had interposed for the Colonies, and gotten the victory with his own arm. So disastrous was this expedition to tho French, that among aU this mighty and formidable fleet, destined to lay in ruins the smiUng viUages of New England, not more than two or throe ships, and a few transports, ever reached her coast. A violent storm at sea either destroyed lor damaged many of them. Others wore compelled to return, on account of a most fearful pesti lence which swept off hundreds of their crews, and made the bravest hearts tremble. The Adipiral, or Commander-in-chief of the whole French squadron, on reaching the coast of Now England, died of morti fication ; or as some say, of poison. The Vice- Admiral came to a similar tragical end, by running hirriself through tho body with his own sword. That part of the fleet which arrived on the coast, sailed with the intent of making an attack upon An- napoUs, but a storm scattered them again, and they were forced to return without effecting any part of tho work of destruction originaUy intended. Thus wore the Colonies preserved, not by the policy of their councils, nor the prowess of their arms — but by the providence of God. Preliminaries of peace- were soon entered into, between France and England, and a definitive treaty was signed in Octo ber, 1748. The privateers of Ehode Island distinguished them selves in this war, and during the year 1745, more than twenty prizes, some of them of immense value, were sent into Newport In May, 1758, Groat Britain, under George II., formally de clared war with Franco ; which declaration was reciprocated by France tho foUowing month. The causes which led to this war, commonly distinguished by the name of the " French and Indian war," were tho alleged encroachments of the French on the English settlements in America. SAMUEL CRANSTON, ESQ. 97 This war terminated in 1763, by the cession of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Isle of Cape Breton, and all other islands of the gulph and river of St. Lawrence, to the British Crown. In aU these splendid achievements of the British arms, during these long, protracted, and sanguinary conflicts, no town, perhaps, of equal size in New England, contributed more to the glory of the British Crown, than Newport In 1723, the town of Newport voted to build an Alms House for the poor of the town. SAMUEL CRANSTON, ESQ. As the Cranston family figured largely in Newport, previous to the Eevolution, some account of them will, no doubt, prove highly interesting and amusing to the reader, more especially the event we now are about to notice. Samuel Cranston, Esq., a gentleman of noble descent, and who had highly distinguished himself as a merchant jn Newport, on the breaking out of the French war of 1755, finding business completely paralyzed, and being of an active temperament of mind, was induced to start on a voyage for Jamaica, not, how ever, anticipating the scenes and events which he was destined to endure in the prosecution of the voyage. When off the Keys of Florida, they were attacked by a pira tical vessel ; they defended themselves to the utmost, satisfied as they were, that should they fall into their hands, no mercy would be shown them ; but all their efforts were in vain, and they were compelled to surrender to the enemy. Such was the savage cruelty of these buccaneers, that neither prayers nor ex postulations had the least effect on their hard and obdurate hearts : the passengers and crew were all inhumanly butchered on the spot, with the exception of Mr. Cranston, who was spared, in order to labor on board the vessel as a common menial. To a mind like his, it must have been deeply humiUating to be suddenly thrown from an elevated position in society, and compelled to herd with brutes in human form. In this condition 98 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. he was doomed to labor for seven years. The thoughts of home would rush on the mind, producing pain and disquietude, and anxiously looking forward to the moment of deliverance, when he should once more participate in the enjoyment of the domestic circle. He had watched every moment, from the time of his captivity, for an opportunity to effect his escape ; the pro pitious hour seemed now to have arrived, and he availed him self of it. Having secured a boat and secreted some provisions, he committed himself to the winds and waves, trusting in Divine Providence for protection. After having been tossed about for many days, he was so fortunate as to fall in with an English ship, bound from Jamaica to Halifax, who kindly took him on board and treated him with marked attention. On his arrival at HaUfax, a passage was given him to Boston, and on his an-i- val there, he was startled at the rumor that his wife was on the eve of being married to a Mr. Eussell, of Boston. This was an additional stroke, and rendered his mind a prey to the most gloomy thoughts. Poor and penniless, he started from Boston on foot, for Newport, there to await tho issue. On his arrival, he entered tho back door of his former residence, in the character of a mendicant, and craved food from the servants, which was readily granted. After appeasing the cravings of hunger, he inquired if Mrs. Cranston was the mistress of the house ; on being answered in the affirmative, he stated that he had a message which ho wished to communicate to her. On being informed that it would bo entirely out of her power to comply with his wishes, as she was then making preparations for her nuptial celebration, which was to take place that evening, tho heart of Cranston was seized with the most painful emotion, that his lovely and adored wife was about to espouse another. Ho requested the servant to say to hor mistress, that he had seen her husband that day at 12 o'clock, crossing Howland's Ferry. Such intelligence, so unaccountable, yet highly interesting, brought Mrs. Cranston from her toilette, to look on the bearer of such intelUgence. He briefly rehearsed over the sufferings which her husband had endured, which she Ustenod to with the deepest interest. Ho wished to know of Mrs. Cranston whether she had over seen him before. Dressed in saUor's garb, with a tar- pauUn hat partially drawn over his eyes, she replied in the nega- ESQ. 99 tive; finding himself a stranger and unknown, in his own mansion, he at last raised his hat and gave her a significant look, at the same moment pointing to a scar on his forehead, and ex claiming : " Did you, Mrs. Cranston, ever see that mark before ?" She at once flung herself on his bosom, and ex claimed, in transports of joy, " You are my own, own dear, long lost husband !" It required, as you may woU imagine, some Uttle time for the paroxysm to subside, and for Mr. Cranston to dress himself in a manner becoming his rank and station, before entering the drawing room, where the elegant group had assembled to wit ness the ceremony. Mr. EussoU, and the officiating clergyman, wore already pre sent, and nothing was wanting but the appearance of the bride. Soon, however, she entered, gracefully loaning on the arm of Mr. Cranston, whom she introduced as her long absent husband. The scene was worthy of the chisel of the artist, and produced emotions of delight in the minds of the guests. Mr. Eussell with true magnanimity, insisted that the marriage ceremony should be repeated, he giving the bride to her former husband, and endowing her with the amount which he intended to settle on her as his wife. This is a matter of fact, though assuming the appearance of romance. Mr. Cranston was the son of the Hon. Samuel Cranston, Governor of the Colony. The Hon, Thomas Cranston, the grandson of Governor Samuel Cranston, and Abraham Eed wood, married sisters, " Three full-length portraits, of Mr, Cranston, wife, and daughter, are hanging up in my house at Kingston. They were painted by Copley, before the Eevolution, which, with the catved frames, gilded, cost one thousand doUars at that period." — History of the Narragansett Church. Newport was once rich in paintings, but time and change have scattered and dispersed them. The residence of Governor Crainston was in the rear of the Hunter estate, in Thames-street, and was called his " Castle." Being built of stone, and cemented with shell lime, gave to it an antique appearance. He died, A. D. 1727. The following inscription appears on his tomb-stone ; 100 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " Here lieth the body of SAMUEL CEANSTON, Esq., LATE GOVERNOR OF THIS COLONY, Aged 68 Years ; and Departed this life, April ye 26, A.D. 1727. He was son of JOHN CRANSTON, Bsci., who also wa.i Goreroor here, 1680 ; He was descended from the noble Scottish LORD CRANSTON, And carried in his viens a stream of the Ancient Earls of CRAWFORD, BOTHWELL, & TRAQUAIR'S. Having had for his Grandfather, y JAMES CRANSTON, Clebk, Chaplain to King Cbarles the First. His Great-e, Esq., This last was Son of JOHN CRANSTON, Esci., Which James was Son to WILLIAM, LORD CRANSTON. Rest happy now, brave patriot, without end. Thy country's father, and thy country's friend." On the head of the tombstone is emblazoned a rich coat-of- arms, wjth the motto — " DUM CURO VISILO." The late Eev. Walter Cranston, of the Episcopal Church, a native of Newport, was one of his descendants. The name of Cranston, is stiU found in Newport, and the Hon. Eobert B., and H. Y. Cranston, have both been Eepresentatives in the Congress of the United States, from Ehode Island. THE MARINE SOCIETY. The Marine Society was instituted in the year 1756, by the name of the Fellowship Club. It was changed to tho name of the Marine Society, by an Act of the Legislature, in 1785. The funds of the Institution have accumulated to about |20,000, the MASONIC FRATERNITY. 101 interest of which is appropriated to the relief of widows of de ceased mariners, and orphan children, and to indigent members of the Society, agreeable to ARTICLE xn. " 1st. This Society having been instituted for the relief of un fortunate mariners, their widows and orphan children, its funds are never, in any instance, to be diverted from that object" Under its present arrangement, far more liberality is dis played towards the unfortunate, than formerly. This happy feature has arisen from the admission of new members, with enlarged and liberal views, and disposed to do ample justice towards applicants, without respect to self It is a noble insti tution, reflecting honor on the town, and should be fostered and encouraged by every mariner of Newport. Its first Secretary was Mr. Benjamin Sayer, and its first Pre sident, Mr. Oliver Eing Warner. MASONIC FRATERNITY. " In the spring of 1658, Mordecai CampannaU, Moses Packec- koe, Levi, and others, in all fifteen families, arrived at Newport from HoUand. They brought with them the three first degrees of masonry, and worked them in tho house of CampannaU, and continued to do so, they and their successors, to the year 1742." — Taken from Documents now in possession of N. H. Gould, Esq. We have noticed this institution from tho fact of its having been said to be " the oldest body in the United States." It is in a flourishing condition, numbering about one hundred and fifty members. / " In the year 1768, a lottery was granted by the Assembly, to pave Thames-street ; it was caUed ' the Newport Pavement Lottery.' " — From the Newport Mercury. 1774. The entries at the Custom House in Newport, for the months of Juno and July, wore : vessels from foreign voyages, 64; coasters, 134; whalemen, 17 ; making an aggregate of 215 in the space of two months. The Ehode Island Greening. — It is stated that the first tree 102 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. of the kind, came up spontaneously, near the wall, by the brook which runs through the farm of Joseph I. Baily, Esq., in Mid dletown, the owner at that time being a Mr. Greene ; from him the apple took its name. It ia highly celebrated and much sought after. The Gardner Pear was introduced by Mr. Lucas, a French Huguenot, who, on his arrival at Newport, hired an estate of Mr. E. Gardner, for his residence. About the time the tree began to bear, Mr. Gardner occupied his own estate, and the pear re maining, it obtained the name of the " Gardner Pear." They have nearly run out. The Tallman Sweeting Apple, is a native of the Island, deriving its name from the family of Tallroans. ORIGIN OF THE DECATUR FAMILY. Stephen Decatur, who was a Captain in the United States' Navy, and father of the late distinguished Commodore Stephen Decatur, was born in Newport, April, 1752. His grandfather was a native of Genoa, who came to Ehode Island about 1746. He married, in Newport, in 1751, the widow Priscilla HUl. Her maiden name was George. The family had their residence in Broad-street, where the house is still standing. As tho mother's character so sensibly affects that of her chUdren, it may not be amiss here to say, that Mrs. Hill possessed a force of mind and energy of character which was a characteristic feature of the George family. Stephen Decatur, the elder, was born in the house which then stood whore tho splendid mansion of Levi H. Gale, Esq., now stands, directly fronting the MaU. Previous to the Eevolution, they removed from Newport. In the war of the Eevolution, Capt. Decatur greatly distinguished liimself as the commander of a private ship from Philadelphia, called the '¦ Fair American," by the capture of several British armed vessels. After the peace, he commanded a mer chant vessel- At the establishment of the navy, in 1797, he was appointed to the command of the Delaware Sloop of War. Ho continued in her until the frigate Philadelphia was buUt, when tho command was given him, at tho request of the mer chants who had built her by subscription. . SLAVER OF G. AND F. MALBORN. 103 He remained in command of the Philadelphia, uutilthe settle ment with France, when he resigned his commission and retired to his farm, a few mUes from Philadelphia, where he resided until his death, which took place in March, 1808, in the 57th year of his age. He had three sons and several daughters. His sons were, the late gallant Commodore Stephen Decatur, Lieut James Decatur, who was killed in the Tripolitan war, and Col. John P. Decatur. Commodore Stephen Decatur was unfortunately killed in a duel with the late Commodore Barron. No eulogy from our pen is needed, to establish the high reputation which Stephen Decatur acquired in his naval career ; we feel a pride of charac ter, however, in being able to connect him with the illustrious personages whose origin has been in Newport. 1761. This year a company of commodians arrived in New port from WilUamsburgh, Virginia. They erected a temporary theatre at the upper part of the Point near Dyre's Grove, and the performances were well attended. This is said to have boon tho first company that ever performed in America. John Whipple, on his return from the theatre, was drowned by fall ing from the Point Bridge. SLAVER OF G. AND F. MALBORN. Godfrey and John Malborn, had a slaver bound to Ehode Island, loaded with slaves : a pirate looking vessel hove in sight, and the captain offered to knock off the irons of the slaves, if they would consent to defend the vessel from the pirates. On their consenting, they wore taken up and armed, and succeeding in driving off the enemy, they were rewarded. and afterwards taken to Pomfret, in Connecticut, on the large estate of Godfrey Malborn. Many of their descendants are still living in that neighborhood. An old hanger is now in the pos session of Thomas Brinley, Esq., one hundred years old, which was used on that occasion. John Brown, who was an eminent merchant of Newport, died October, 1753. He married a daughter of the Eev. James Honyman. Ho was extensively engaged in privateering, in com pany with Godfrey Malborn and George Wanton. 104 . HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. The enterprise which characterized the inhabitants of New port, at that period, prove them to have been a superior class of men. There was a stimulus to action — for success crowned their efforts — and they were induced to push on, and to make Newport what she once was — the pride and admiration of the Colonies. We have not alluded to the Slave Trade, from whence she reaped a golden harvest. Tho largo exportation of New Eng land rum to Africa, which in return brought slaves, increased tho wealth of tho place to an astonishing degree. There were but few of her merchants that were not directly, or indirectly interested in the traffic. Some forty or fifty saU of vessels were in this em ployment, and it was thought a necessary appendage to have one or more slaves, to act as domestics in their famiUes. Many an amusing anecdote is related of the slaves, which show them to have been rather more apt than what is usuaUy tho case. In imitation of the whites, the negroes held an annual election on the third Saturday in June, when they elected their Governor. This annual festivity was looked for with great anxiety. Party spirit was as violent and acrimonious with them as with the whites. Tho slaves assumed the power and pride, and took the relative rank of their masters ; and it was degrading to the reputation of the owner, if his slaves appeared in inferior apparel, or with less money, than the slave of another master of equal wealth. At dinner, tho Governor was seated at tho head of the long table, under trees, or an arbor, with the unsuccessful candidate at his right, and his lady on the left. The afternoon was spent in dancing, games of quoits, athletic exorcises, &c. They have for many years ceased the obser vance of this election. The owners of slaves in Newport, as a general thing, were indulgent masters, so much so that tho blacks were not con scious of being in bondage, but wore treated with every mark of kindness befitting their station. Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse, late Professor in Harvard University, &c., in speaking on this subject, says : In Newport there was a worthy, opulent man, and veiy re spectable member of the Society of Friends, named Joseph Jacobs, advanced in life, who had four or five neat and well- behaved negro domestics, bound together by duty, respect, and THE SLAVE TRADE. 105 gratitude ; a pleasant picture of patriarchal government, with out fear and without reproach. But being aU blacks, it loft the master and his wife alone in tho parlor and garden ; when he • invited Mary CaUender, daughter of Eev. Mr. Callender, to be come their parlor companion ; and she did so, to mutual satis faction, waited on by black female slaves, who wore the plain garb of Quakers. The famUy was singular, and everything very decorous ; relatively respectable, and marked by humble wisdom. To see the negro women, with their black hoods and blue aprons, walking at a respectful distance behind their mas ter, to meeting, was not an unpleasant sight on those days. Friend Jacobs himself was somewhat unique in his habits and manners. Easy in his circumstances', and intellectual in taste, he fiUod up his leisure hours in watching the wind, his clock, and his weather-glasses. At that day, he was the only person on Ehode Island who owned a thermometer.'' Newport was not alone in the slave trade ; other places con tributed their full share, and reaped the profits. It was at that period thought to be just and equitable, and none entertained conscientious scruples against it. It is unbecoming in the North, who have been the means of entailing slavery on the South, to turn round and denounce them as a class of unprin cipled men, and deny to them the right which properly belongs to them, to manage their own domestic institutions as they please. The course which has been pursued, so far from hastening tho extinction of slavery, has retarded the event to an indefinite period. If we could be satisfied that immediate emancipation would better the condition of the slave, we would heartily acquiesce in the measure. But what has been the result in tho British West Indies ? Has the physical and moral condi tion of the slaves boon improved, by granting to them their free dom ? We beUeve it to be susceptible of proof, that it has not been the case ; for the value of estates has decUnod, and both planter and negro, have become infinitely worse off by tho pre mature and hasty measure. The results which have" since fol lowed, were not at the time anticipated. Great Britain has no great occasion to glory in the measure, but rather to lament it. In corroboration, heed and hearken to the voice that comes up to us from the ponderous coluihns of the London Times ; that journal 106 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. which of all otiiers, perhaps, speaks most accurately the feeUngs and opinions of the British people on this, as on most other sub jects of public concern : — " Our legislation has been dictated by the presumed neces sities of the African slave. After the Emancipation Act, a large charge was assessed upon the Colony, in aid of civil and religious institutions for the benefit of tho enfranchised negro, and it was hoped that these colored subjects of tho British Crown, would soon be assimilated to their fellow-citizens. From all the information which reaches us, no less than from the visible pro-. babilities of the case, we are constrained to beUeve that these hopes have been falsified. The negro has not acquired with his freedom, any habits of industry or morality. His independence is little better than that of an uncaptured brute. Having accepted few of the restraints of civilization, he is amenable to few of its necessities ; and the wants of his nature are so easily satisfied, that at tho current rate of wages ho is called upon for nothing but fitful or desultory exertion. The blacks, therefore, instead of becoming intelligent husbandmen, havebecome vagrants and squatters, and it is now apprehended that loith the failure of cultivation in the island, will come the failure of its resources for instructing m- controlling its population. So imminent does this consummation appear, that memorials have been signed by classes of colonial society hitherto standing aloof from poUtics, and not only the bench and the bar, but the bishop, clergy, and ministers of all denominations in the island, without exception, have recorded their cotiviction, that, in the absence of timely relief, the religious and educational institutions of tho island must be abandoned, and the masses of the population retrograde to barbarism !" The New- York Express adds some very sensible remarks, which we here subjoin : " Would that those in our own country, who profess to be the only real friends of the African, would study these painful truths, and lay them to heart. Would that they abandon their wild chi meras of immediate, compulsory emancipation, to benefit the Afri can, and betake themselves to the more humane, enlightened, and practical cause of Colonization, now seemingly the only door left open for the regeneration of the race. The bitter experience THE SLAVE TRADE. 107 of Groat Britain should teach us wisdom. The mistaken phi lanthropy which gave to the West India negroes the boon of freedom, which they neither knew nor cared how to value, has been fruitful of evils which, for tho true welfare of the slave population in our own country, it were prudence and wisdom to guard against. EngUsh emancipation has done for the slave population of the West Indies, just what Abolitionism at home seeks to do for tho same class of population in our Southern States, (only in a more aggravated form,) the bestowing upon them of an independence but ' littie better than that of an uncaptured brute,' and a condition which, so far from enabUng them to become intelligent, comfortable, and happy, will as in evitably reduce them to ' mere squatters and vagrants' among the rest of mankind." Could the Abolitionists succeed in carrying out their plans, in giving freedom to tho slaves, what, we inquire, would be the moral and physical condition of the North ? Already, the popu lation has become so dense in our cities and larger towns, and such the competition in labor, with the low prices paid, that the poor man can hardly sustain himself and family. This incendiary measure would flood tho North with emancipated negroes, and the colUsion would be painful to contemplate. But the AboUtionists say, in reply : " Let the masters employ them and compensate them for their labor, and this would obviate the difficulty." This is mere theory. They having heard so much of the sympathy expressed for them by their Anti-Slavery friends of the North — who, bye-tho-bye, would not contribute one dollar to ameliorate their condition — would, how ever, be induced to come among them and enjoy their hospital ity, and that liberty of which they have heard so much ; but which, alas ! would only be imaginarj in its nature, for their condition, instead of being improved, would bo infinitely worse by the change. There are certain laws in the physical and moral world, which we can never change, and it is not for us to arraign Omnipo tence, and attempt to impeach his divine character. His wis dom is infinite, and out of these discordant materials good wiU ultimately arise. Our Saviour illustrates the kingdom of heaven, by " a woman's putting a piece of leaven into a measure of meal, until the whole was leavened." This implied the process 108 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. of fermentation, and it required time. To have attempted to change the order of nature would only have effectually de stroyed the article and rendered it useless. So in the moral elements, they are at work, and operating to the final consum mation and overthrow of all evil in the world. But we cannot succossfuUy hasten the time, by our own plans and purposes, but must leave it to Infinite Wisdom, at the same time employ ing tho means which his Word and teaching furnish. While the North held slaves, 'she took hor own time to free thom, and this was not done until she had become con vinced that they were no longer profitable. It was a mere matter of dollars and cents, and not a conviction of its moral wrong, which urged them to the measure. No one attempted to coerce the North, which they were then satisfied they had no moral or political right to do. Let the North, then, leave the South to manage her domestic institutions in a manner most agreeable to hor wishes, and hence put an pnd to agitation, which has already caused the temple of liberty to tremble to its very base. The union of these States should be dear to every American, and the individual who would put forth a sui cidal hand to destroy tho work of ages, should be denounced as a traitor of the '¦'¦first water" far beyond Benedict Arnold in infamy and crime. Colonization is the only feasible plan devised, to ultimately free the country from slavery. And we believe it to be God's plan, for in no other possible way, can we conceive of the civilization and Christianizing of the dark Continent of Africa. It should be borne in mind by the reader, that Slavery was entailed upon us whUe we wore Colonies to Great Britain; and her interference with our institutions — now that we are free and independent — is an assumption of power which should not for a moment be countenanced by these United States. Her emissa ries sent forth to stir up strife and sedition between the mem bers of this Confederacy, should be told to go back instanter, and reform the abuses which exist in their own country, and which are most revolting in their nature— infinitely surpassing Southern slavery, which their imagination has conjured up as the greatest evil existing in the world. Nations are very much like individuals; their own wrongs are not seen, while the wrongs and errors of others are magnified THE SLAVE TRADE. ¦ 109 to the utmost stretch of a morbid mind. Let Great Britain survey the deep and damning misery which is to be found among the underground subjects of the realm, laboring and toiling in those hells, the coal-mines, shut out from the light of heaven, and crouching under their burden, until their Umbs be coming contracted, premature old age follows, and death is their only hope of relief from the wretchedness of their condition. This is the nation which it was once said was " tho bulwark of the Christian religion !" When Great Britain wiU make some effec tual effort to free her white slaves, we of this nation may feel more incUned to receive council and instruction from her, in re lation to real or imaginary wrongs, which are to be found in this country. With her present policy, we have reason to believe that her aim and object is, to divide, if possible, these United States, regardless, entirely, of the state and condition of the slaves, which, if they had the control, would still be found in the cotton-fields, laboring to keep in successful opera tion their extensive manufacturing establishments. ^ The writer to whom we are to refer as evidence of the truth of the above remarks, is the Eev. William Sewell, B. D., Author of" Christian Politics," and late Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Oxford : — " We sigh over the imprisonment of the canary-bird, ex claim against the cruelty of its oppressor, unbar the doors of its cage without a moment's delay, and the poor bird claps its wings with joy, flutters into open airj regains its liberty, its blessed liberty, — and tho next day is found dead of cold and hunger. It is not for a Christian to argue in fttvor of slavery ; still less to speak of it, except with abhorrence, when the master abuses his power, and the slave, instead of being raised by him by degrees, to the capability and enjoyment of his freedom, is riveted in his chains forever. But a Christian may indeed ask, whether the total exclusion of all restraint, of all fear, of aU positive external obUgation from the relation of master and servant, has not ended in reducing the servant in this country to a condition far worse, far more abject and degraded, far more hopeless, far more vitiated, than that of any slave in any period or country of the world ? Our mines, our factories, our common workshops, — even our farms and agricultural cottages, fuU of crippled children and deformed women, of famine and 110 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. fever, of drunkenness and vice, — of depraved, miserable, hope less beings, doomed by their own free act, the free act of a being in tho agony oC starvation, — to tho severest toil in dark ness, at midnight ; deprived of rest, stinted in food, seUing their children to tho same misery with their own for a few shilUngs, or sickening over hours of toU to earn their pence, — all the horrible scones revealed by late inquiries into tho state of our lower classes, — what is there in the records of slavery to be found more heart breaking or more appalling, to those who believe that nations, like individuals, are visited by curses from the Almighty, — and that the first curse denounced in His commandments is uttered against those who depart, even in the sUghtost degree, from His positive, external, revealed truth, and shape out ideas of the divine nature after their own fancy." —pp. 313-328. In the year 1768, March 21st, it being the anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act, tho day was celebrated with public exhibitions of joy. A flag was displayed on the top of the noble wide spreading tree of liberty, and a copper-plate affixed to its venerable trunk, in the room of that which was infamously taken from it on tho 25th of August preceding. A flag was hoisted at Fort George, at Liberty Mast, on the Point ; and the shipping in the harbor displayed their colors. The beUs rung a merry peal, and every thing wore a joyous aspect. In the evening, rockets were discharged from the tree of liberty, at Liberty Mast ; and at the house of John Madsly, Esq., a number of gentlemen wore politely entertained, and the glass circulated in honor to the British and American patriots. Many other gentlemen assembled, in different parts of the town, to commemorate the glorious event, and the whole day was spent in decent festivity. John Madsly owned and occupied the house, now in the possession of Dr. Watson, at the head of King-street He is said to have been a poUshed gentleman, and distinguished for his benevolence, over ready to confer favors on those who stood in need. The French fleet, in firing on the British batteries, threw several shot unintentionally into the town ; Mr. Madsly had apprehended such an event, and had fitted up his oil-house cellar, adjoining his mansion, and invited the neighbors to take shelter there. A bullet entered the building, and lodged, with- THE SLAVE TRADE. Ill out causing damage to any person in the ceUar. It remained where it lodged, until the building was repaired and fitted up as a dancing hall for Carpontiore. r Wo find, as a matter of record, that " many persons wore determined to use their influence in putting a stop to the destructive and pernicious effects attending the immense con sumption of foreign teas, which must, otherwise, soon render us a poor, weak, debiUtated people. The Hyperion, or Labra dor tea, is much esteemed, and by great numbers vastly pre ferred to the poisonous Bohea." Newport, in 1767, passed resolutions to discourage, as much as possible, further importations of European manufactures. " We have heard of many gentlemen in town, of figure and fortune, who are determined to clothe themselves and famiUes for tho future, with the manufactures of this country. Those resolutions were responded to by other sections of the country." The New York Journal, May 30, 1768, says, " What a glo rious example Newport has set us. Eouse, 0 my countrymen ! We are well informed that one married lady and her daughter, of about sixteen, have spun full sixty yards of good fine linen cloth, nearly a yard wide, since tho first of March, beside taking care of a large family. The linen manufacture is promoted and carried on, with so much spirit and "assiduity, among all ranks, that we are assured there is scarcely flax enough to be had in town, to supply the continued consumption of that article." King Lemuel says, Prov. 31 : 28, " Her children arise up, and caU her blessed." v. 19, " She layeth her hand to the spindle, and her hands hold tho distaff," &c. Spinning and weaving was for ages an art of distinguished life, aud was considered in the same Ught as needle-work now is with us. Accordingly, it was customary to represent those most distinguished, as excelling in the art of spinning, and poets sang of the distaff and loom. Homer aUuded to it in the address of Alcondra to Helen ; so also Theocritus, in present ing a distaff to his friend's wife, says, " 0 distaff ; friend to warp and woof, Minerva's friend in man's behoof." It is said that Augustus, at the height of his regal splendor, appeared among his nobles in a robe, made for him by the queen. 112 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. Dr. Bushnell has wisely remarked, in his centennial address, that " tho ago has been caUed a homespun age :" and. we would add, one of simplicity, and of comparative happiness, when those artificial distinctions, the result of mere wealth, was then in a great degree unknown." Tho homespun age pro duced economy in every member of tho family, and they were contented with small things. The expense of living, prior to the /revolution, was far less than now, and what would then have been considered a suffi cient sum to have rendered a man independent, would be looked upon at the present time as quite insignificant. Simon Pease, of Newport, one of the " upper ten thousand" at that day, who lived in a state of elegance befitting his station, was ac costed by a WiUiam Hookey, a silversmith, who had witnessed the expensive living of Mr. Pease : " It must cost you a groat deal to support your family." Mr. Pease replied, " tha^ it cost him the enormous sum of $500 per annum " A person then worth ten thousand dollars, was considered a rich man, and even at this day of extravagance in the price of living, perhaps there is no maritime town, whore the income arising from ten thousand doUars, would go as far in supporting a family, as it would in Newport. EXTRACT FROM A SERMON Preached in Trinity Church, Newport, Ehode Island, on Monday, June 3rd, 1771, at the Funeral of Mrs. Abigail Wanton, late Consort of the Hon. Joseph Wanton, Jun., Esq., who departed this life on Friday, May 31st, 1771, in the 36th year of hor age. By George Bisset, M.A. " St. Luke xii. 40. — ' Be ye thebefohe beadt also.' " It is to be remembered to her honor, that in the day of prosperity, and in an age noted for its thoughtlessness and 113 dissipation, her heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord, to keep his commandments. It was a practical maxim with her, that as God is our chief benefactor, and can alone be our ex ceeding joy, so he is justly entitled to our highest veneration and regard ; and that, consequently, it is surely good for us on every occasion, to draw near to him, both in his word and in his sacraments. Constant and regular was her attendance here, where her behaviour was remarkably composed and serious, equally distant from the indecent levity of those who come hither solely to comply with custom, not having God in aU their thoughts, and from that constraining stiffness of the gloomy and superstitious, who imagine the object of their worship to be altogether such a one as themselves. " She carefully and steadily observed the precept of the wise man, ' Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God ;' and the whole of her deportment here always discovered that happy mixture of reUgious awe and fiUal confidence, which necessarily arises from just and worthy conceptions of the greatest and best of Beings, who is greatly to be feared in the meeting of his saints, and to be had in reverence of all that are about him. " But her sense of religion was not confined to the Church, nor to the closet, but as she set God always before her, so that great Being, who honoreth those who honor him, kindly con ducted her, with dignity and applause, through the several connections and relations of life. She was a grateful and dutiful daughter, a prudent and affectionate wife, a tender and indulgent parent, a mild and gentle mistress, a sincere and con stant friend. She was a safe and easy companion, and pos sessed, in an eminent degree, the happy art of pleasing and entertaining in conversation, without ever having recourse to the fashionable topics of slander and defamation. Her most intimate friends knew not, indeed, whether to admire more her sweet and engaging compliance towards those who were present, or her tender regard for the character of the absent. Being highly sensible of the value of a good name, she always looked upon it as base and ungenerous meanness to hurt any one in that respect, either through maUce, or a vain and un meaning spirit of consoriousness ; and if wit and good nature be incompatible, it must be honestly acknowledged, that she 114 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. had no pretensions to the former, as she was never able in the least to reUsh the horrid pleasure of exposing the mangled reputation of a neighbor for the amusement of the company ; on the contrary, it was her constant study and endeavor, to promote the interest of good wiU and friendship, by giving to merit its due praises, by endeavoring to remove all causes of dissentions, by hiding the faults of those with whom she con versed, and by putting the best construction upon their words and actions, which they could possibly admit of ; and thus her excellent accomplishments, constantly employed in the cause of virtue, were reaUy a blessing to herself and to society ; being agreeably recpmmended and set off by the still more valuable ornament of a meek, a candid, and a quiet spirit. Those who moved in the higher spheres admired, and were charmed with ^ that elegant simplicity, and unaffected gracefulness of manners, with that solidity of judgment, and benevolence of heart, and with those thousand inexpressible decencies, which uniformly appeared in all her words and actions ; and tho poor, encouraged by her condescensions, and refreshed and cherished by her extensive charity, rose up and called her blessed, and with heart-felt gratitude, almost adored the liberal hand which was so ready to supply their wants ; of which that universal gloom and dejection, which has now so remarkably overspread their faces, give a much more ample and noble testimony, than any encomiums from this place. " As her life was thus, in all respects, useful and agreeable, so it happily servos to confirm a truth, highly important to the interest of morality, that whoever is pitiful and courteous, and anxious to promote the happiness of others, will be uni versally beloved, and univorsaUy regretted. It was unnecessary, and perhaps impertinent, to have said so much of this amiable and universally admired charnctor ; you all knew her worth, and I trust wiU long respect her memory ; and those who were most intimately connected with her, have no need to be put in remembrance, that these things wore, and wore most dear to thom." In the past, it was not the drapery alone which charmed the beholder, but rather the moral and intellectual acquirements of the mind ; these were the gems which rendered the casket, in comparison, valueless. The expenditures for Schools and tJENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 115 Academies were far less than at the present period, and the progress in knowledge as in actual accomplishment, far in ad vance of this age. There was a solidity of judgment, a fixed ness of purpose, a devotion to principle, which distinguished the minds of a former age, and which rendered society highly attractive and agreeable. That lightness and frivoUty of character, unbecoming the gentleman and lady, and which is disgusting to an elevated and refined mind, was not to be met with in the higher and fashion able circles of society. We have given the foregoing extract of a most valuable ser mon, in order to give the reader some idea of what then consti tuted greatness of character ; and would to God that the present age would labor to copy after such an example as is here held up to view. If aU the energies of the intellect, and all the treasures which have been expended in fostering malignant passions, and in promoting contentions and warfare, had been devoted to the great object of cultivating the principle of benevolence, and distributing happiness among men, the moral and physical aspect of our world would, long ago, have assumed a very dif ferent appearance from what it' now wears. GENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAAIILIES. The Malborn and Brinley families figured largely in the past history of Newport Col. Godft-oy Malborn was a native of Prince Anne county, Virginia, and his farm was near the city and borough of Norfolk. Ho came to Ehode Island about 1700. He was a man of sturdy frame and character. The tradition is, that he disliked school discipline, absconded from his friends, became a sailor boy, and that he was -actually bound out as an apprentice to a ship-master, by tho authority of the town of Bristol, then in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. During his apprenticeship, by the death of one of his ancestors, he became entitled to a large property in Virginia. He settled in Newport, where he married Margaret Scott ; became, as the reader has already seen, a distinguished merchant, and wac 116 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. eminently successful. In the war of 1740, with France and Spain, he fitted out several private armed vessels of war, which made many captures. He died at Newport, February 22d, 1768, and was buried in the vault under Trinity Church, of which he was one of the founders. He left two sons, Godfrey and John ;' Thomas, anotlier son, a graduate of Cambridge, Massachusetts, having died at an early age, the victim, it has been said, of an over-devotion to study. Godfrey, the eldest son, was educated at Queen's CoUege, Oxford ; returned to Ehode Island in 1774, and carried oa business on a large scale, in company with his brother John. They were largely engaged in the Colonial Neutral trade, in the war of 1756-7, ending by the peace of 1763, and at first was uncommonly successful, but in the end suffered severely, by the appUcation of tho rule of 1756. Two large ships laden with sugar, bound for Hamburgh, having been captured, were condemned, after a long and expensive litigation in the EngUsh Courts of Admiralty. These, and other vexatious losses, in duced Mr. Malborn to retire,from business, to the calm retreat of his large estate, in Pomfret, Connecticut. Mr. Malborn built . an Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, known as the " Mal born Church." " This was the first church erected, and for a long period, the only church of that denomination in this country. It was erected before the Eevolutionary war, by Godfrey Malborn, Jun., Esq., a gentleman from Newport, Ehode Island. On his removal to Connecticut, bo brought with him fifty or sixty slaves, en his large estate on which he resided. A great pro portion of the colored people in this part of the State are their descendants." — Connecticut Historical Collections. Tho Eev. Mr. Fog, the first Rector of the church, was a gentleman of highly respectable attainments, and continued to officiate until his death. Mr. Malborn married Miss Brinley, of Eoxbury, sister of Francis Brinley, of Newport, and died without issue, 1785. His remains lay interred in tho church-yard of the Episcopal Church in Brooklyn. Godfrey Malbom, senior, had five daughters ; one married the above Francis Brinley ; another, tho youngest, to Dr. WiUiam Hunter, father of the late Hon. WiUiam Hunter. GENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 117 One married Major Fairchild, one Dr. Mac-Kay, and another Shubel Hutchinson. Thomas Brinley, in the reign of Charies the First, held the office of Auditor- General. At tho downfaU of that sovereign, he adhered t<5 the fortunes of Charles the Second, and followed him on his exile upon the Continent Upon the restoration of the second Charles, he held the same office under him, and died one year after ; he was buried in the middle aisle of Datchet church, near London ; the slab over his remains, still records ihese facts. His son, Francis, (the first of Newport,) left England, and arrived at Newport, Ehode Island, and there amassed a large fortune ; he died in Newport. He had previously sent his eldest'soa, Thomas, to England, for his education ; he married in London, and had three children, and died there with the sraaU-pox. His son, WiUiam, died, aged 13. His eldest son, Francis, (the second,) and daughter Elizabeth, with their mother, came to America, and inherited the fortune of his grandfather. He built the house at Eoxbury, after the model of the old family mansion at Datchet, in England. Elizabeth, grand-daughter of Thomas Brinley, Auditor- General for King Charles First and Second, came over with her brother Frank and their mother, from England, and settled at Eoxbury ; she married a Mr. Hutchinson, father of Shrimp- ton Hutchinson, who married a Malborn. Mrs. CoL Putman, George Brinley's wife's mother, was, in 1840, the only one of the stock remaining, id. est. the Hutchinsons. There was a branch of the Brinley's in New Jersey, as early as 1776 ; I know this from the foUowing records in my office, (Surveyor-General's :) — " Lib. 2, fols. 33 & 80 : > Warr'- Survey and Patent, from 8th March, 1677. ) Sir George Carteret, Knt., &c. Proprietor of E, Jersey, to Simon Brinley, ' for a parcel of land about the towne of Piscataway.' " Simon Brinley's wiU Avas recorded at Trenton, 5th January, 1724-5, in " Book A, of WiUs, page 348." I can trace him no farther. 118 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND^ Frank W. Brinley, Esq.,' of Perth Amboy, N. J., General- Surveyor, one of my old schoolfellows, has kindly furnished some interesting notes of his family, which are hero subjoined, as standing in most intimate relation with the past events of Newport. " Thokias Brinley, first son of Francis and Deborah, of Eox bury, Massachusetts, was a King's CounseUor, and went to England with the British troops. He married a Miss Leyed, received a compensation from tho British govemiuoBt, and died in England ; he left no issue. " Edward Brinley, third son, remained in Boston at the Ee volution, and was much persecuted as a Loyalist ; he kept a> grocery iu Boston, and was very unfortunate. He was father of George Brinley, druggist, now of Hartford, Connecticut, and of Frank and WiUiam, who lived at Eoxbury. " Nathaniel Brinley, fourth son, lived at Tingsbury, a farmer of large estate: had one son, Eobert, still alive, and resident at Tingsbury ; said to be one of the best of men. "¦ George Brinley, fifth son, (my father's idol.) He was Commissary in the British army, during the Eevolution. In 1777, at the time of the action at Princeton, the British being in New Brunswick and Perth Amb«>y, on his way from New Brunswick to Perth Amboy, with one servant, he was fired upon by a party of Provincials, ' minute-men,' who had come down from Woodbridge, on the main road between Brunswick and Amboy, from what is now (1850,) known as the ' Old Tappan House,' in tho village of Bonhamtowa He received five musket balls in various parts of his body ; but retained his seat on horseback. His servant, being somewhat behind, wheeled, and rode back to New Brunswick, reporting his master as killed. Each baU made a flesh wound, and did not touch a booe. George rode on, until be reached '¦ Hangman's Corner,' (the parting roads from Perth Amboy, to Bonhamtown and Woodbridge,) where ho fell from his horse, from loss of blood, and was seen to fall by the sentinel at tho ' King's bar racks.' A party was sent out, who brought him in, with hia horse, that remained by him. He laid many months at Am boy. My father, (Edward,) who came from, Newport to attend him, says, ' that when he saw his uncle, he had lain so long, that the shoulder-bones were through the skin.' He finaUy GENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 110 recovered, and returned with the British troops ; was appointed Commissary at Halifax, and afterwards Commissary- General of the British troops in America. " He married a daughter of Governor Wentworth, of New Hampshire, had two sons, Thomas and WiUiam, and a daugh ter, Mary. WilUam was a pay-master in the British army. Mary married a ' Moody,' in England, and one of hor daugh ters was in Boston two or three years ago. " Frank, my father's eldest brother, served his time with Dr. Hunter, who married Miss Malborn, (my grand-mother's sister.) Frank was Surgeon of the ' New- York Volunteers,' and went to CaroUna with thom, — afterwards died at my father's house, (Edward Brinley,) at Shelbume, in 1757-8. " Commissary George's son, Tom, was a Colonel in the British army, and was with Sir John Moore, in Spain ; was detached' to the West Indies, and there died an Adjutant- General. • " Francis Brinley, my grand-father, lived at Newport, Ehode Island ; married Aleph Malborn, daughter of Godfrey Malborn. My uncle, ' Frank,' died young ; was at CoUege, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the time the British troops marched to Lexington. My father, Edward, was there on a visit to his brother. On the retreat of the British, the Americans wore iu pursuit, and, from the circumstance of some of the British officers having been with Frank and my father, (Nod,) imagined that Frank had ' pilotted the troops.' The Americans, or some of them, were so exasperated, that my father and others were obUged to lower Frank, by sheets tied together, from one of tho College windows ; while the Americans battered the. door of his room, and destroyed everything. " Frank and Nod afterwards came together, got an old horse from a pasture, and went " ride and tie' to Newport, ' fuU of wrath.' They met the British troops and joined them, and were caUod ' Tories' ever afterwards. My father says, ' Had it not been for this circumstance, we would have boon tho best of Democrats.' " Deborah, my aunt, married an Episcopal clergyman, Eev. Daniel Fogg, of Brooklyn, Connecticut. She died a few years ago ; had Francis Brinley Fogg, who studied at Newport, under the late Hon. WiUiam Hunter, and removed to Nashville, 120 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Tennessee, where he married, and is an eminent lawyer : Ed ward, who StiU lives with his sister, Aloph Brinley Fogg, at Brooklyn, and Godfrey Malbom Fogg, who is, I believe, stiU living. " Elizabeth, my aunt, married Capt. WiUiam Littiefield, formerly of the United States army, stationed at Newport ; Littlefield was aid-de-camp to Gen. Nathaniel Greene, who married his sister. " Edward Brinley Littlefield, of Tennessee, who was highly esteemed there, William, of Newport, and John, a physician, who died some years since, at New Orleans. " Thomas, my uncle, still resides at Newport, a very aged man, though remarkably vigorous for one of his years. (He has recently died, aged 87.) " Catharine, my aunt, married a Dr. Field, a Surgeon in the British army, and died at Jamaica, on Long Island, without issue. ' " Gertrude Aleph, my sister, married the Eev. Edward Gilpin, son of John GUpin, long his Britannic Majesty's Consul at Newport. ' " Elizabeth Parker, my sister, married tho Eev. J .F. Halsey, son of Capt. Halsey, of tho United States' army. " My father married, in 1806, Mary, the daughter of Dr. Johnson, of Newport ; had issue, Edward L. Brinley, now a merchant, of the firm of Furness, Brinley & Co., Philadelphia: he married Fanny, sister of Major Brown, now in Eussia. " My son, Edward, is an officer in tho United States' navy. " My father, Edward Brinley, resides with me ; ho is 94 years old, but will not use a cane. He was, when young, shot through the body, with an iron ramrod, still in my possession. The following is the copy of the record of the accident in his own hand- writing : " ' RECORD. " ' This ramrod was shot through my body, when I was about twenty-one years old. It was an accident, and happened thus ; I was out shooting snipe, robins, and other small birds, in company with a young man of about my own age ; his gun had an iron ramrod, and in tho course of the morning's shooting GENEALOGY OP THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 121 got foul, and the ramrod stuck, and being stronger in the grip with my fingers, I had twice puUed it out for him, the third time it stuck so fast that I could not draw it. I proposed firing against a crib, about twenty-five yards distance, and, I snppose, I cocked the gun for that purpose. He objected, say- ' ing, that he would lose his sport for the remainder of the day. I then told him to take hold of the breech, and I took the end of the ramrod, and both puUed away. I think it probable his hand was before the guard of the trigger, and he must have touched it with his finger. Off went the gun, tho ramrod through my body. It entered about two or two and a half inches above my navel, and came out about the same distance from the back-bone, going, as the doctors said, through the lower part of the liver. The ramrod was found at the foot of an apple-tree, in the same form that it is now, /^"'v , about thirty yards off. My companion, half frightened to death, ran off, leaving me to get to a house, not far distant, but with a five-rail fence to get over. An express was immediately sent off to town, about two miles distant, and my father, and mother, and sister, and three doctors, two of them skilful surgeons in the British army, who then were in Newport, to whose know ledge of similar cases, I am, probably, indebted for my life. In about three weeks I was taken to town in a litter, and in another three weeks quite well, except weakness. " Given under my hand this Eighteenth day of October, A. D. 1848. " EDWAED BEINLEY, aged 90 years." " The pictures of my groat-grand-father, and great-grand mother, hanging up in my parlor, were painted by Simybort, who came over to this country with George Berkley, Lord Bishop of Cloyne, about 1700. The child in my great-grand mother's arms is my grandfather, Francis Brinley, (second of Newport.) The back ground of the picture representing my great-grand-father, is a view of his meadows, &o., with the town in the distance. The pictures are in good preservation, (life size,) and have been pronounced ' chef d'ceuvres ' " The house at Eoxbury, Massachusetts, built by Francis Brinley, of Eoxbury, was after tho model of the old family mansion at Datchet, near London, and still is in good preser vation." 122 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. 1634. The record of the Brinley family, commences in America. It will be perceived by tho reader, that the Brinley, family were Loyalists. They may have thought, Uke Saul of Tarsus, when he was waging a war of extermination against Christians, that they did it aU in good conscience. But " the sword of tho Lord and of Gideon" prevailed against our ene mies ; and they and their descendants have reaped the blessings acquired by other hearts, and other hands, in the glorious enterprise. I have the following information of an old family of Newport taken from these Eecords, viz. : " Book C, page 158, ) Deed from Sarah Eoape, widow of 1st August, 1694. ) WiUiam Eeape, late of Ehode Island, deceased, to WiUiam Marsh, son of Jonathan Marsh, of Newport, mariner, for certain lands in Monmouth county, N. J." WilUam Brinley signs this deed as a witness ; dated in Shrewsbury, Monmouth county. Now- York. It appears that this Sarah came from Newport, about the year 1676, and had one patent for land to her in Shrewsbury, of 2010 acres, and various other large patents ; one of 500 acres, " in right of her deceased husband." " Lib. B2, fol. 165, ) Deed from Jonathan Marsh, of New- 20 Sept 1685. ) port, &c., merchant, to Sarah Eeape, for a right of Propriety in East Jersey.'' From the above documents, I find that hor husband's (Wil liam Eeape) will, was dated 1st August, 1670. « Lib. A, of Wills, page 5, ) Sarah Eeapo's WiU ;" (by which 7th of Jan. 1715. S it appears she had a large estate in Weymouth, Dorsetshire, in Old England. She devises as foUows) : — " To my grandson, WilUam Brinley, my house lot, that I bought of tho town of Newport, on Ehode Island, with the Iwusings thereon. And also all my land at Eaok (Wreck) Pond ; and unto his three sons, Francis, WiUiam, LITERARY SOCIETY ESTABLISHED. 123 and Thomas, a silver spoon to each, and aU my tract of land of about 400 acres, in freehold. To my grand-daughter, Sarah Brinley, feather-beds, &c. ; to my grandson WilUam Brinley, my great silver cup, and all my land that lyeth at Whale Point, and all my right of propriety ; to my grand-daughter, EUzabeth Brinley, a silver spoon, &c. ; to my grandson, William Brinley, youngest son of Eeape Brinley, my lands in Weymouth, in Old England," &c. By hor will she must have boon very rich. My presumption is, that Francis Brinley, (first) of Newport, had first, Thomas, then a second son, who married a daughter of WiUiam and Sarah Eeape, of Newport, and their son, Wil Uam, emigrated about the year 1685, to Monmouth county, New Jersey, and settled with his grandmother ; ho was one of the executors to his grandmother's wUl. This WiUiam became a man of large possessions, and of mnch note. He is first named on the Eecords as a yeoman, then esquire, gentleman, and judge. Tho first grant of lands to him was in 1718 ; and he had many extensive grants of land besides those devised to him by his grandmother, Sarah. He died about the year 1765, in Shrewsbury. John Brinley appears on the Eecords, from 1754 to 1774. He died during the Eevolution. Eeape Brinley, heir of William Brinley, and the youngest son, (mentioned in Sarah Eeapo's wiU,) was alive, in Shrewsbury, the 10th August, 1801. His son, Joseph Brinley, Uved near Eatontown, in Shrewsbury, a man of considerable property, and a member of our Legislature about 1840. He died about 1843, leaving one chUd^ a daughter. A LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ESTABLISHED AT NEWPORT. The celebrated Dean, afterwards Bishop Berkley, who re sided Tiere at the time is thought to have suggested its for mation. The society was select, and some of its members were 124 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. men of great intoHoctual power, among whom were Judge Edward Scott, Hon. Daniel Updike, Governor Jonas Lyndon, Dr. John Brett, Hon. Thomas Ward, Hon. William EUery, Eev. James Honeyman, Eev. James Searing, Eev. John Chickley, Jun., and the Eev. Jeremiah Condy, of Boston. Among the occasional numbers, were Governor Stephen Hopkins, and Samuel Johnson, D.D., afterwards President of Columbia College, New- York, and to this distinguished array of talent the Eev. Elisha Callender also belonged. As this was probably one of the earliest societies of the kind in this country, we have thought that it might prove interesting to the reader, to subjoin a few extracts from the " Eulos and Eogulations of the Society." Tho original is in the hand writing of J udge Scott. " First Eegulation. — Tho members of this society shall meet every Monday evening, at the house of one of the members, seriatim, and converse about, and debate, some useful question in divinity, morality, philosophy, history, &c. " Second. — The member who proposes the question, shall be moderator, pro liac vice, and see that order and decency be maintained in all tho debates and conversation. " Fifth. — No member shall divulge the opinions or argu ments of any particular member, as to any subject debated in tho society, on penalty of a perpetual exclusion. Nevertheless, any member may gratify the curiosity of any that may enquire the names, number, general design, method, and laws of the society, and the opinions, or conclusions of the major part, without discovering how any particular member voted. " Newport, February 2d, 1735.' One of the objects of this society, was the coUection of valuable books. It was subsequently joined by Abraham Eedwood, Esq., who gave the sum of five hundred pounds sterling, to increase its Ubrary, on condition that the society would build a suitable edifice. The society obtained a charter from the Colony in 1747, by the name of " The Company of the Eedwood Library." Abraham Eedwood, was tho son of Abraham Eedwood, formerly of Bristol, England, and Mehitable, his wife, daughter LITERARY SOCIETY ESTABLISHED. 125 of Jonas Langford, of the island of Antigua. At what time they came to Ehode Island is unknown. Mr. Eedwood died in Newport, in 1772. They belonged to the Society of Friends. Mr. Eedwood, by the death of an elder brother, became sole heir of the large estate of his grandfather, Langford, in Antigua. In 1748, the present classical building was commenced, from a design by Mr. Harrison, the assistant architect of Blenheim House, England. It is remarked by Dr. Waterhouse, that in architectural taste and costly structure, Newport stood pre eminent. He says : " Whore is there a structure now in New England, that surpasses the Eedwood Library ? We have only to lament its perishable material. If you say that it was copied from an Athenian temple, still there is some credit due to them in selecting, seventy years ago, and relishing so chaste a specimen of Grecian taste." At this period, Newport was the " Athens of America." We would suggest that the entrance to the Library be restored, agreeably to its original design, which was a gate in the centre, leading direct to the steps. It is now in bad taste, and contrary to the rules of architecture. Henry Collins, Esq., proved a noble coadjutor of Mr. Eed wood, and presented, in June, 1748, to the Company, the lot of land then caUed Bowling-Green, on which the present edifice now stands. The building was not completed until 1750 ; a tax of twelve hundred pounds was assessed on the members of the Company, to defray the expense of completing it. The principal library room occupies the whole of the main building, is thirty-seven feet long, twenty-six feet broa^, and nineteen feet in height. The present number of volumes is 6,000. The King of England gave to Eedwood Library eighty-four volumes, of which seventy-two are large folios, and twelve octavos, which is said to bo the largest collection sent to this country. Tho entire set has been nearly thirty -five years in the course of pub- Ucation, and from the great demand for tho different works of which it is composed, many of them have become exceedingly scarce, and some of them are now out of print They consist of Doom's-day Book, Statutes of the realm, ParUamentary Acts of both England,- Scotland, &c. !26 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. The master builders of the Ubrary were. Wing Bpooner, Samuel Greene, Thomas MelvUle, and Isaac Chapman. Abraham Eedwood, of Dorset-place, Mary-le-bone, London, England, gave the homestead place, situated in Newport, to the library. In 1837, Baron HolUnguer, a distinguished banker, of Paris, who was connected by marriage with the Eedwood family, presented the Company one thousand francs, for the restoration of the building. Many other bequests have been made by the friends of literature. A certain elegant writer, (Dr. Waterhouse,) asserts, " That the founders of Eedwood Library, sowed the seeds of science among us, and rendered the inhabitants, if not a more learned, yet a better read, and more inquisitive people, than that of any other town in the then British Provinces." The late Dr. W. E. Channing, in a discourse delivered in Newport, in 1836, alludes to the neglected condition of the Library, at the period during which he pursued his studies in tho town. He says, " I had no Professor to guide me ; but I had two noble places of study, — one was yondoi* beautiful edifice, now so frequented, and so useful as a public library, then so deserted, that I spent day after day, and sometimes week after week, amidst its dusty volumes, without interrup tion from a single visitor." Tho other classical spot was Easton's Beach, then equally as retired, though now so much frequented. Ho remarks, in his usual glowing style : " No spot on earth has helped to form me so much as that beach. There I lifted up my voice in praise, amid the tempest ; there, softened by beauty, I poured out my thanksgiving, and contrite confessions. There, in reverential sympathy with the mighty power around me, I became con scious of power within. 'There, struggUng thoughts and emotions broke forth, as if moved to utterance by nature's eloquence of the winds and waves. There began a happiness surpassing aU worldly pleasure, all gifts of fortune, the happi ness of communing with the works of God." As the name of Berkley has been introduced in this connec tion, it may not be amiss to dwoU somewhat on his character, which, for moral purity, was unexampled. Berkley was en dued with great powers of mind, and possessed vast stores of erudition. His intellectual and moral quaUtios, inspired to 128 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " ON THE PROSPECT OF PLANTING ARTS AND LEARNING IN AMERICA. " The muse disgusted at an age and clime, Barren of every glorious theme ; In distant lands, now waits a better time, Producing subjects worthy fame. In happy climes, where from the genial sun And virgin earth, fresh scenes ensue. The force of art by Nature seem outdone. And fancied beauties by the true. In happy climes, the seat of innocence. Where Nature guides and virtue rules ; Where men shall not impose for truth and sense, The pedantry of Courts and schools. There shall be sung another golden age. The rise of empire and of arts ; The good and great inspiring epic rage. The wisest heads, and noblest hearts. Not such as Europe breeds in her decay, Such as she bred when fresh and young ; When heavenly flame did animate the clay, By future ages shall be sung. Westward the course of empire takes its way, The four first acts already past j A fifth shall close the drama with the day. Time's noblest offspring is the last." " The Minute Philosopher," which he penned while he was a resident of Newport, consists of a series of dialogues, involving most of the important topics in debate between Chris tians and Infidels, tho principal arguments by which Christi anity is defended, and the principal objections with which it has been opposed. In treating on academical' study, he remarks, " Academical study may be comprised in two points, reading and meditation. Their reading is chiefly employed on ancient authors, in dead languages ; so that a great part of their time is spent in learn ing words, which, when they have mastered with infinite pain, what do they get by it ? but old and obsolete notions, which BISHOP BERKLEY S BEQUESTS. 129 are now quite exploded and out of use : then, as to their meditations, what can they possibly be good for ? He that wants the proper materials of thought, may think and meditate for ever to no purpose. Those cobwebs, spun by scholars out of their own brains, being aUke unserviceable, either for use or ornament Proper ideas, or materials, are only to be got by frequenting good company. I know several gentlemen, wh»> since their appearance in the world, have spent as much time in rubbing off the rust and pedantry of a coUogo education, as they had before in acquiring it." — Minute Philosopher, pp. 35, 36. " The weather was so fine, wo had a mind to spend the day abroad, and take a cold dinner under a shade in some pleasant part of the country. Whereupon, after breakfast, we went down to a beach, about half a-mile off, where we walked on the smooth sand, with the ocean on one hand, and on the other, wild broken rocks, intermixed with shady trees and springs of water, tUl \ho sun began to be uneasy. We then withdrew into a hollow glade between two rocks. " Here we felt that sort of joyful instinct which a rural scene inspires, and proposed no small pleasure in resuming and con tinuing our conference without interruption till dinner. But we had hardly seated ourselves, and looked about us, when we saw a fox running by the foot of our mound, in an adjacent thicket. A few moments after wo heard a confused noise of the opening of hounds, tho winding of horns, and tho shouts of the country squires." — Berkley. It must strike the mind of the reader with surprise now that the island is nearly cleared of wood, that such fine sport was enjoyed by tho early inhabitants ; but one hundred and twenty-five years have wrought great and surprising changes. The spot which Berkley so graphically describes, is the Hanging Eocks, which was his favorite retreat ; it is near Sachuest Beach, on which he often rambled. It was not far from Whitehall, his former place of residence. The scenery is highly romantic, and, to a mind like his, was justly appreciated. Bishop Berkley, during his residence at Newport, augmented the library of Harvard College, by valuable donations of the Latin and Greek classics. To Yale CoUege ho presented eight hundred and eighty volumes; and, on his departure from 130 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Newport, he gave the WhitehaU estate, consisting of his mansion and one hundred acres of land, for three scholarships in Latin and Greek. He returned to England in 1733, and died sud denly and calmly at Oxford, January 14th, 1753, in the 73d year of his age. Bishop Berkley, though an EpiscopaUan, was no sectarian,, as his public gifts plainly show. He was far in advance of the age in which he lived, which is evident from the prophetic vision in his poem, " On the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America." This extraordinary prophecy may be considered only as the result of long foresight and uncommon sagacity ; of a foresight and sagacity stimulated, nevertheless, by exciting fooling and high enthusiasm. So clear a vision of what America would become, was not founded on square miles, or on existing num bers, or on any vulgar laws of statistics. It was an intuitive glance into futurity ; it was a grand conception, strong, ardent, glowing, embracing all time since the creation of the world, and aU regions of which that world is composed ; and, judging of the future by just analogy with tho past. And tho inimit able imagery and beauty with which the thought is expressed, joined to the conception itself, render it one of the most strik ing passages in the language. Could he have lived to this day, to witness the rapid strides which have been made westward, until the Pacific Ocean has been reached, and cities planted by American enterprize, it would have rejoiced his benevolent heart. And it should be matter of exultation and pride to every American, that repub- Ucan principles are destined to exert a moral, and political influence over this vast continent. Nothing short of the power of God, has wrought such stupendous changes, in so short a period of time. The high encomium passed on the state of society in New port, by Bishop Berkley, was highly honorable and commen datory, and should influence the inhabitants to cherish a spirit of mutual forbearance and kindness, toward one another. His mind was not circumscribed and limited to self; he took a broad and comprehensive view of things, and believed that good would ever spring up out of evil. He remarks that " men of nairow capacities, and short sight, being able to see BSOGRAPHY OF BISHOP BERKLEY, 131 no further than one link in a chain of consequences, are shocked at small evils, which attend upon vice. But those who can enlarge their views, and look through a long series of events, may behold happiness resulting from vice, and good springing out of evil, in a thousand instances." — Minute Philosopher. " The Eev. George Berkley, D. D., was born and educated in Ireland, being of an English family, who had settied there in the time of the Stuarts. His native place was Kilcrin, in th« county of Kilkenny, where he was born in 1684. In his youth, Uke his friend Oglethrope, he was patronized by the Earl of Peterborough, who had an instinct for discovering and bringing forward men of different orders of talent. Berkley was also the intimate friead and companion of Pope, Dean Swift, and Sir Eichard Steele, for the latter of whom he wrote severd pieces for his periodical, caUed " The Guardian," " Displaying at an early age great Uterary abilities, Berkley soon gained a high reputation in the learned world, by several of those works which still entitle him to be classed among the most profound and original inquirers into the philosophy of mind and the first principles of knowledga His first work, written before he was twenty years of age, was on mathematics. This was followed at various periods, among other writings, by his " Essay towards a new theory of Vision ;" " Principles of Human Knowledge," and " Alciphron, or the Minute Philo sopher," the latter of which was written during his residence in Newport, Ehode Island. " This great public benefactor was promoted in 1734, through the patronage of Queen Caroline, to the Bishopric of Cloyne, and resided in that diocese until July, 1752, when he removed to Oxford, to superintend the education of his son, " He had three sons and a daughter. In person he was stout, and well made, his face was benignant and expressive, and his manners elegant, engaging, and enthusiastic. In the latter part of his life he continued his literary labors, and pub lished various of his writings. His " Minute Philosopher," written as we have mentioned during his residence at Newport, Ehode Island, was published in 1732. " His remains were interred in Christ Church, Oxford, and an elegant monument was erected to his memory by his widow," — New Yo«k Atlas, 132 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. ELEGANT COUNTRY AND TOWN RESIDENCES. As Newport increased in wealth and prosperity, many of her eminent citizens turned their attention to the erection of town and country residences ; th<^ most splendid of which, was that erected by Col. Godfrey Malborn, about one mile from the State House. It was commenced in 1744, and was some time in the course of completion. It was sixty-four feet front, and fifty-two in depth, and was pronounced the most splendid edi fice in aU the Colonies. The materials of which it was built was Connecticut stone. It was two stories high, with a double- pitched room, dormer windows, with a cupola, which com manded an extensive view of the ocean, and Narraganset Bay. In architectural style, it is said to have resembled the State House. The fifteen steps leading to the baU were spacious, and standing as the building did on elevated ground, gave to it an imposing appearance. The interior is said to have been equally as grand. Tho doors were of mahogany, as well as tho elegant finished circular stairway, which led to the attic. An aged gentleman, of Newport, remarked to the author, " that the cost of the stair-way alone,' he had heard his father say, was»equal to the e-xpenso of building the Brenton House, now owned and occupied by Simmons S. Coe, Esq., in Thames-street. The estimate^ expense of this palace, for it well deserves the appel lation, was one hundred thousand dollars, Tho farm consisted of upwards of six hundred acres, extend ing north to Coddington's Cove. Tho garden, which lay direct in front of tho mansion, with natural embankments, embracing as it did fen acres, was onchantingly laid out, with graveled walks, and highly ornamented with box, fruits of the rarest and choicest kinds, flo-wers, and shrubbery of every description. Three artificial ponds, with the silver fish sporting in the water, gave to the place the most romantic appearance. We have often fancied to ourselves, in our youthful days, when seated on the high flight of steps which led to the spacious hall of this princely mansion, and which commanded an extensive view of the beautiful bay of Newport, of the magnificent state in which Col. Malborn must have lived, far beyond any thing of the present day. It is one thing to have wealth, and another to COUNTRY SEAT OF COL. G. MALBORN. 133 know how, and in what manner to appropriate it There was, at this period, sublime conception and taste, which enabled the gentleman to beautify and adorn the island. No situation could possibly exhibit a scene more diversified and pleasing than this ; hero the eye wandered from one beauty, to another more enchanting, and when it seemed to have discovered a stiU more suf>erior view, the sUghtest glance pre sented another, if possible more inviting and wonderful, — apparently raised by the power of magic to captivate the astonished beholder. This seat was once the resort of all the gay, and great ones of the island, and has been the scene of many a splendid banquet and joyouts festivals. ' Hebe, if some wand'ring wretch, the child of fate Told his sad tale, and humbly aslc'd relief No surly menial drove him from the gate, Humanity beguiled the tear of grieL The well-linown bench the moss wiU over-ereep, And where each rose in gay luxuriance hung, — Eude tang^iing weeds will proud dominion keep. And nettles group the «pot where blossoms sprung. Wild lierries clust'ring On its straggling thorn, WiU then remain, to mark the shrubb'ry's bound ; O'er-grown with weeds, tlie solitary lawn, To memory scarce will prove its high renown. The dreary thought my sinking heart appals, And trembling I quit the fancied gloom Alas ! lite this, each human fabric falls, And gradual sints oblivious in the tomb. Majestic ruin ! noble in decay, — Thy fame shall livei when thou art sunk away." On June 7th, 1766, this elegant dwelling was entirely con sumed by fire. The Colonel had a large party at dinner. It was a calamity to be deplored. His name, however, has become immortaUzod by the erection of this magnificent structure, with the garden attached, which stUl boars the name of " Malborn's Garden," though but Uttle remains beside the artificial ponds. 134 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Saturday dinners were alternately given among the principal families, and continued until the death of Francis Brinley, Esq. One principal dish, which was served up on the occasion, was dun-fish,& very choice article. Thomas Brinley, Esq., informed the author, that they cost at that day, as high as ten dollars per quintal. Tho process of cooking thom was quite different from tho ordinary mode noy pursued ; they were placed in soak over night, then taken out and sewed up in a napkin, and simply simmered over the fire ; they were then served up whole, with melted butter and boiled eggs. A variety of other dishes went to make up the entertainment It was on one of these occasions, that the blacks in the kitchen of Col. Malborn, through carelessness, permitted the wood-work above the fireplace to take fire, and being destitute of brains, did not at once throw on a bucket of water, which would have extinguished it. It spread so rapidly, that before the engines arrived from Newport, it was enveloped in a sheet of flame, and beyond their power to check its progress ; its walls crumbled and fell. It has been stated that the Colonel bore his loss with much sang-froid, but this tradition we do- not believe. A ridiculous statement was made in a small work, published a few years since, that Mrs. Malborn, for fear that hor rich and costly furniture jwould be injured, prohibited tho firemen from entering the house. Now, the presumption is, that Mrs. Malborn, Uke all other ladies, was so much terrified, as not to dictate on this occasion, but to make her exit from the burning house with all possible dispatch, and hence save her life The wealthy portion of Newport, in those days, lived in epicurean style ; perhaps there was no place in the Colonies, that could vie with them in the magnificence of their pubUc entertainments. It was Old-English hospitality, — ^when the wine was passed round after dinner, and then followed " the feast of reason, and tho flow of soul." The town-house of Col Malborn, which is yet standing in Newport, was a splendid habitation. It is an ancient brick building, and has an imposing appearance with its portico, double flight of lofty steps, and its heavy and highly ornamental iron gate and railings. On the gato-posts were placed stone pine-apples, and the iron raiUng around the portico, bore the FIRST FIRE ENGINE. 135 nitials G. M. in the centre. Tho interior also presented many vestiges of its former splendor, in its gilded cornices and panel work, and its mantels of rich marble. A splendid hall, with a noble flight of circular stairs, reaching to the attic, displayed the fine taste of its owner. Does tho reader ask, where is this building ? Alas ! the hand of modern vandalism has shorn it of its former splendor ; it is now but an ordinary building, and scarcely noticed. Mr. Malborn added much to the interest of the place, and was generous in all his pubUc acts. It is said that he once re marked, " What wiU not money buy ?" — being a man of ordi nary appearance, a wag standing near, overheard tho remark, and was disposed to have some sport He penned the follow ing lines, and stuck them up whore they could bo seen and read : " All the money in the place, Won't buy Old Malborn a handsome face." This highly exasperated Col. Malborn, whereupon he offered a reward of ten guineas to find out the author. The real author came forward, and frankly acknowledged it. It is said, that the Colonel was so much amused with the joke, that he paid him tho reward, and treated him in tho bargain. Com merce expands the mind, and liberalizes the heart. The site formerly occupied by Mr. Malborn's house, after a period of eighty-four years, has been improved by J. Prescott HaU, Esq., of New- York, who has erected a house for a sum mer residence, but the glory has departed. Mr. HaU's mother was the daughter of Peter Mumford, Esq., of Newport, and his wife being a Ehode Island lady, daughter of the late Hon. James D'Wolf, of Bristol, has attached him to Newport. FIRE-ENGINE, No. 1,— MILL STREET. Engine No. 1, was the gift of Col. Godfrey Malborn. It was manufactured by Newsham and Eagg, of London, in the year 136 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. 173.6 With the exception of the box, it remains the same, and is pronounced as perfect a specimen of the kind, as is to be met with, oven in this day of improvement. Judge Bowler, like most of .the wealthy merchants of that period, had his town and country residence. The former is now tho Vernon Mansion, corner of Clarke and Mary-streets, and is certainly a beautiful specimen of architecture. And tho latter, the farm, now occupied and belonging to the heirs of Isaac Chase, in Portsmouth, which then contained an elegant garden, filled with every description of fruits and flowers, with artificial ponds, &c.,at present is nothing more than an ordinary place. Mr. Bowler married, in 1750, Ann Fairchild, of Newport, and left a number of descendants. Vaucluse, tho residence of the late Samuel Elam, Esq., he inherited from his uncle, Jarvis Elam, who resided on the place for many years before his death. Samuel was an EngUsh gentleman of the old school, and tho taste which ho displayed in laying out, and embellishing his grounds, is evidence of tho truth of the remark. His style of living was profuse, and ho could well afford it, for his income was largo, and fully ade quate to keep up such an establishment. On occasions, when he gave large dinner parties to his friends, tho choicest viands graced his table, as well as superior wines and liquors, of which ho was a connoisseur. Many were tho entertainments given at Vaucluse, in which tho guests wore treated with sumptuous hospitality. His equipage was after the EngUsh style, with postiUion and footman. He had his town as well as country residence ; and, on bank days, (for he was President of the Ehode Island Union Bank,) he uniformly took dinner at Newport. An old female domestic, Marcy Sambo, took charge of the house, and provided for the occasion. He was a Quaker, and wore -the pecuUar garb of that sect, and contributed to the society. He was a gentleman of strong prejudices, but whenever he took a fancy to an individual, he was most strongly devoted. Many an anecdote is related of him, which goes to corroborate tho truth of the remark. His port and carriage was truly dignified and noble. His property fell to a nephew, residing in England, who came over to America, and disposed of his whole estate ; NEWPORT THE EMPORIUM OF FASHION. 137 and he immediately returned home, his taste being different from that of his uncle's. Vaucluse is now the property of Thomas E. Harard, Esq., and is certainly the most interesting spot on the island. The garden contains seventeen acres, mosi elegantly laid out, including a labyrinth, with serpentine walks, a fit emblem of ancient Troy. The walks are spacious, and running in different directions, presents a charming and picturesque scenery, and such as a highly cultivated mind would justly appreciate. The farm consists of about one hundred and fifty acres, scientifically cultivated. Mr. Harard is a practical farmer; every thing indicates system and proper management, and a walk over his extensive grounds, would soon convince the reader, that we hdve not too highly colored tho picture. Many other beautiful residences wore to be found on the island, in her palmy days ; tho Overing, Bannister, &c., which shows the taste of the inhabitants at that interesting period. Many of the inhabitants were from the first famiUes in Eng land, and Newport was regarded not only for her commercial importance, but as the emporium of fashion, refinement, and taste. " This aristocratic trait of character has continued among her inhabitants to the present day." The writer from whom we have made this extract, says, " But the change of popula tion, and the death, dispersion, and poverty of those famiUes, has now reduced society more conformable to the general repubUcan manners of the country, and has levelled those arbitrary distinctions, which once so generally prevailed." Now the views here entertained of the aristocracy of Newport, being based on wealth, and the loss of wealth levelling those • distinctions, is not founded in fact. The aristocracy of New port rested on a sub-stratum more durable. It was intellect, and refinement of manners, which made the broad distinction in society.- The mere boor, with no other recommendation than money, his society was not courted ; while many, whoso pecuniary means were limited, were hold in high estimation for their moral and intellectual acquirements. This was the pecuUar characteristic yhich distinguished the age, and which outweighed every minor consideration. " Worth then made the man,not money — the want of it the fellow ; The rest was all but leather or prunella." 138 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. We wage no crusade against wealth, provrded it be justly acquired, and judiciously appropriated. But when it is made tho idol, and used as an instrument of power, it then becomes a curse ; and induces many to obtain it in tho most fraudulent manner, in order that their respectability may be secured. It is truly painful, when we reflect, that man can be so besotted with gold, which wiU perish with the using ; and arrogate so much solfimportance, when there is evidently a want of intel lectual baUast, which renders them pitiful objects lo contemplate. " There's not a day, but to the man of thought, Betrays some secret, — that throws new reproach On life, and makes him sick of seeing man." In 1768, the ship Endeavor, commanded by Capt. James Cook, sailed from England for the South Seas, having on board Sir Joseph Banks, &o., for the purpose of observing the transit of Venus over the Sun's disk, which took place on the 4th of June, 1769. After making tho observation at Otaheite, Capt. Cook proceeded south, and having made many discoveries, returned, by the way of tho Cape of Good Hope, to England, in 1771. She was subsequently engaged in the whaling busi ness, and put into Newport, in consequence of the war between England and France, where she was condemned. She was then sold for the benefit of tho underwriters, to Capt. John Cahoono, and his brother, Stephen, (father of Benjamin J. Ca- hoone, Esq., of the United States' navy,) who were buUding a packet called the Concord, and the materials which were found suitable were worked in. For many years tho lower part of her hull lay on Cahoone's shore, at the south part of tho town. It has long since disappeared, having been manufactured into canes, boxes, &c., as curiosities. William Gilpin, Esq., has in his possession the crown, taken from her stern. CUNDALL'S MILLS. The fanciful name now employed is the " Glen." We prefer, however, tho original name, as being associated with many interesting events. It is now the property of the Hon. Samuel cundall's mills. 139 y Clarke, who married Barbary, the daughter of the late Joseph Cundall, Esq., of Portsmouth. Judge Clarke furnished the author with the subjoined facts : " Tho earliest notice of the CundaU family in my possession is, an indenture of apprenticeship of Joseph Cundall, son of widow Cundall, of Bruntioff, in the county of York, England ; said indenture is dated ' first day of ye first month, caUed March, in tho fifth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Anne, A. D. 1706.' As the term of time required to learn a trade was seven years at least, it may be supposed that said Joseph Cundall was born about 1692. Said Joseph Cun dall erected, or purchased, a small fulling-mill, where a stone factory now stands, in which to dress woolen cloths, &c., and purchased a third of a dweUing house, in the north-east corner of Hunting Swamp, (where sportsmen resorted for game) ; said house stood on the south side of tho highway, nearly opposite the residence of what was then Abraham Anthony's, who was Town Clerk of the town of Portsmouth. At this house, the wife of said Joseph Cundall died, on the 3rd day of June, 1745. Said Joseph Cundall purchased, of James Sisson, the farm, long caUod Cundall's Homestead. It contained forty-six acres, with a fulUng-mill, and other buildings thereon." Tho farm at present consists of one hundred and forty acres. The descendants now living are Isaac CundaU, Samuel B., and Mary, tho wife of Porrin Burdick, merchant, of Newport, and Barbary, the wife of Judge Clarke, who resides at tho place. On Christmas-eve, December 24th, , a violent snow storm occurred, in which Mr. CundaU, on leaving his mill for home, perished, having lost his way. CundaU's MiUs is one «f the most romantic spots on the island, and has become a general resort of strangers, who visit Newport in summer, to enjoy the salubrity of its cUmate, and its picturesque scenery. The walk through the shady bower of trees, which opens to the east passage, with Tiverton and Little Compton in view, is a rural scene, at once grand and imposing, suited to convey a just appreciation of the enjoyment of retirement, over the busy whirlpool of fashion. The stream of water, which propels the smaU fuUing-mill, adds beauty and subUmity to the scene. It flows on uninter ruptedly in its course, agreeably to the language of the poet : — 140 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND^ " How steadily thou murmurest on, thou tanked little stream. That stealthily in this deep glen hides — from the day's broad beam ; Small birds are singing near thee, green branches wave on high, — But neither breeze, nor bird's glad song, thy murm'ring may put by." LAWTON'S VALLEY. This vaUey, or guUey, as it was once called, is situated on the west side of the island, in tho town of Portsmouth. This is a delightful retreat in summer ; blooming wild woods hang luxuri antly in waving wreaths from innumerable impending projections of rock. Many beautiful vagrant rills gently steal through va rious crevices, whUe some, impeded in their course by rude frag ments of stone, impetuously break a passage, and precipitate the sparkling foam down the declivity, till it pauses in the many windings of a gentle stream. It is sublimely beautiful to contemplate this wild luxuriance of prolific nature. No spot furnishes more inviting rides and walks than the island of Ehode Island, and to tho mind of perception and taste, is presented a wide field for contemplation on the beauties of nature. The entrance to this rural retreat, is situated about midway of the road running west from tho Union Meeting-house, near the bridge, known as Cuff's bridge. Cuff was an old family negro, belonging to the Lawton family. His residence was a smaU cottage at the base of tho hill, near the bridge. Tho old coUar is all that remains to mark the spot. We well remember his coming to market, in his old-fashioned coat, with the produce of his small plantation. These reminiscences afford pleasure and doUght, far beyond anything of the present day. This portion of tho island is very interesting, and to one who prefers solitude to the vortex of fashion, presents attractions of a highly interesting character. COUNT SEGUIN'S VIEWS ON SEEING NEWPORT. " Other parts of America were only beautiful by anticipation, but the prosperity of Ehode Island was already complete ; COUNT SEGUINS VIEWS ON SEEING NEWPORT 141 industry, cultivation, activity of trade, wore aU carried to great perfection. " Newport, woU and regularly built, contained a numerous population, whose happiness was indicated by its prosperity It offered delightful circles, composed of enlightened men and modest and handsome women, whoso talents heightened their personal attractions. All the French officers who know them, recollect the names and beauty of Miss ChampUn, tho two Misses Hunter, and several others. " Like the remainder of my companions, I rendered them homage, to which they wore justly entitled, but my longest visits were paid to an old man, very silent, who very seldom bared his thoughts, and never bared his head. His gravity and monosyUabic conversation announced at first that he was a Quaker. It must however be confessed, in spite of all the veneration I felt for his virtues, our first interview would pro bably have beeU our last, had not I seen the door of tho draw ing-room suddenly open, and a being which resembled a nymph rather than a woman, enter the apartment. So much beauty, so much simplicity, so much elegance, and so much modesty, were perhaps never combined in the same person. It was Polly Leighton, (the way it was then pronounced, but it was always spelt Lawton,) the daughter of my grave Quaker. Her gown was white, like herself, while her ample muslin necker chief, and the envious cambric of her cap, which scarcely allowed me to see her light-colored hair, and the modest attire, in short, of a pious virgin, seemed vainly to endeavor to conceal tho most graceful figure, and the most beautiful form imaginable. Her eyes appeared to reflect, as in a mirror, the meekness and purity of her mind, and the goodness of her heart ; she received us with an open ingenuity which deUghtod me, and the use of the famiUar word ' thou,' which tho rules of her sect prescribed, gave to our acquaintance tho appearance of an old friendship. " In our conversation she excited my surprise, by the candor, fuU of originality, of her questions : " ' Thou hast, then,' she said, ' neither wife nor children in Europe, since thou loavest thy country, and comest so far to engage in that cruel occupation, war ?' " ' But it is for your welfare,' I replied, ' that I quit all I 142 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, held dear, and it is to defend your Uberty that I come to fight tho EngUsh,' " ' Tho English,' she rejoined, ' have done thee no harm, and wherefore shouldst thou care about our Uberty ? We ought never to interfere iu other people's business, unless it be to reconcile thom together, and prevent the effusion of blood,' " ' But;' said I, ' my king has ordered me to come here, and engage his enemies, and your own.' " ' Thy king, then, orders thee to do a thing which is unjust, inhuman, and contrary to what thy God ordereth. Thou shouldst obey thy God and disobey thy king, for he is a king to preserve, and not to destroy. I am sure that thy wife, if she has a good heart, is of my opinion.' " What could I reply to that angel ? for, in truth, I was tempted to beUeve that she was a celestial being. Certain it is, that, if I had not boon married and happy, I should, whilst coming to defend tho liberty of the Americans, have lost my own, at the feet of Polly Leighton. " Tho impression produced upon me by this charming girl, was so different from what is experienced in the gay vortex of the world, that, as a natural consequence, it diverted my mind, at least for a time, from all idea of concerts, fetes, and balls. " However, the ladies of Newport had acquired strong claims upon our gratitude, by the kind reception they had honored us with, and by the favorable opinion they expressed of our com panions in arms, whose absence they deeply regretted ; we resolved to give them a magnificent ball and supper, a step not dictated by absolute prudence, since we were only seven or eight officers, ten leagues distant from our army. " Long Island, which was occupied by our enemies, was not far from Newport ; and we wore told that the English priva teers sometimes made their appearance on the coast. Such being the case, and the report of our flt6 having got abroad, they might have paid us a visit, and rather strangely disturbed our jovial party. This apprehension, however, appeared to us quite unfounded, and I quickly sent for some musicians belong ing to the regiment of Soissonnais Dosotoux. Dosoteux, who since acquired some celebrity during our revolution, as a leader of ' Chouans,' under the name of Comartin, took upon himself, assisted by Vauban, to make the necessary preparations for the THE WARD FAMILY. 143 baU and supper, whilst we went abou* town, distributing our invitations. " The little ftt6 was one of the prettiest I have ever wit nessed ; it was adorned by beauty, and cordiality presided over the reception and entertainment of the guests. But Polly Leighton could not be present, and I cannot deny that this cir cumstance occasionally cast a gloom over my spirits. " Time glided on so agreeably at Newport, that we were not anxious to return to our tents, and, relying upon the indulgence of our General, we exceeded by a few days the leave of absence he had given us. But M. De Eochambeau, who know all the importance of a strict adherence to discipline, dispatched positive orders for us to join immediately our respective regi ments ; we therefore reluctantly quitted Newport, and quickly returned to our head quarters, which were at Providence, and which, at that period, contained three thousand inhabitants." — Count Seguin's Memoirs. Polly Leighton, or Lawton, lived in the house, comer of Spring and Washington-square, now Touro, changed in honor of Abraham Touro, Esq., for his noble bequest. Count Seguin's vivid description of Newport, cannot fail to convince the reader, of tho justness of the high-wrought enco miums which have been passed upon her, by those who well knew her past history. There were acknowledged loaders of the ton, and their elegant and polished manners, with minds inteUigent and cultivated, combined to draw around thom the elite of the capital, and to render their mansions a most attrac tive place of resort. Entertainments of every description was the order of the day, and the prominent fashionables were emulous in gaiety. Newport gave the ton to the surrounding country, who looked to them for fashions and manners, previous to tho revolution. THE WARD FAMILY. As this family held a high rank, and occupied an important position in the early history of Newport, we have felt caUed 144 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. upon to chronicle the itfteresting part which they took in the poUtical drama. Tho first of this family who came to Ehode Island, was Thomas Wa.M, who came from Glo'ster, in England, to New port, whore he married and settled. His father, John Ward, afterwards came over, and died in 1693. Thomas Ward died tho same year, aged 48 years. Eichard Ward, the son of Thomas, was bom in April, 1689. He was elected, in 1714, General-Eecorder, or Secretary of the Colony, and held the office tiU 1733. In 1740, he was elected Deputy- Governor ; aud, on the death of Governor Wanton, was appointed by the General-Assembly to the office of Gover nor for the remainder of the year. In 1741-2, he was re-elected by tho people to the same office. Ho died at Newport, 21st August, 1763, leaving a numerous issue; among his sons were Samuel Ward, who was Governor of tho Colony in 1762 — 65 ; Thomas Ward, who died in 1760, was fourteen years Secretary of the Colony, and Henry Ward, who was Secretary from 1750 until his death in the year 1797, a period of thirty-eight years. Many of the descendants are now living in New- York, highly respectable ; — E. E. Ward, Esq., John Ward, and Samuel Ward. The year 1758 is rendered memorable in the history of Ehode Island, as opening tho great political drama of Messrs. Samuel Ward and Stephen Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins at tho time filled tho chair of the chief magis trate, and Mr. Ward entered the field to contend with him for that honor. The office, at this period, was hold in high esti mation in Ehode Island.- Mr. Ward was the favorite candidate of the South, and received the almost undivided support of the mercantile interest ; while Mr. Hopkins was as warmly sup ported by the yeomanry of the North ; and was again re-elected tho throe succeeding years. In 1762, Mr. Ward was elected, but was defeated the fol lowing year, and Mr. Hopkins elected. Tho strife of poUtical party raged with increasing violence, until such was the heart burning hostility of tho belligerent parties, as very greatiy to impair the enjoyment of domestic tranquillity, and interrupt tho hospitalities of social life. In 1763, the office of Deputy- Governor was vacated by the STRUGGLE FOR OFFICE BETWEEN WARD AND HOPKINS. 145 death of the Hon. John Gardiner, who' then fiUed that place. On the meeting of the General Assembly, Mr. Hopkins and friends proposed that Mr. Ward bo invited to fiU that office, and that he be elected by the Assembly, then in session. Ac cordingly, a committee waited on Mr. Ward with this propo sition, which was indignantly rejected, and a message returned, embracing the only conditions of peace, viz. : " that both rival candidates, at the ensuing election, relinquish their pretensions and retire from the field." Another proposition was then submitted by the House of Assistants, to Mr. Ward, to induce him to accept that office ; that five, or one-half of that body, would cheorfuUy resign their seats in favor of an equal number of his friends, and tho division of tho spoils of offices should be equally divided between the parties at tho approaching election. This proposition was too humiliating for tho Spartan spirit of Mr. Ward, consequently, it was as unpropitious as the former one ; and he returned for answer, " that no peace could bo expected, whUe Mr. Hopkins was in the chair ;" — but repeated his wilUngnoss to relinquish his pretensions, on condition that Mr. Hopkins would do the same. Other overtures were made to Mr. Ward, but without success, and both parties prepared to enter tho field, with fixed and settled resolution. The friends of Mr. Hopkins triumphed, and he was again elected ; but the following spring he suffered a defeat, and Mr, Ward and friends were covered with laurels of poUtical glory, which they wore permitted to wear tho two succeeding years. At tho opening of the spring campaign, in 1667, Mr. Hop kins' party, having been recruited and drilled for tho conflict entered the field, with a firm determination to oust the incum bents ; and achieved a victory, leaving Mr. Ward minus four hundred and fourteen. This was the last pitched battle between the belligerent parties. At the October session of the General Assembly, overtures of peace wore again made by Governor Hopkins to Mr. Ward, which were soon followed by a cessation of hostiUties, and finally resulted in a reconciliation of the parties. This propo sition, highly honorable to Mr. Hopkins, was as follows, viz. : that Mr. Ward and friends, should nominate a Governor from those in the interest of Mr. Hopkins ; and these should 146 mSTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. nominate a Deputy-Governor from among the friends of Mr. Ward, and so forth, alternately, with tho whole council ; or if Mr. Ward and friends decline the nomination, his Honor, and those associated with him, wiU nominate a Governor from among the friends of Mr. Ward, and so on as before. PreU- minarios were soon entered into by both parties at Providence, and a treaty of peace was finally concluded at Newport, March 29th, 1768. Newport being the capital of the State, it is realljs gratifying to learn of the chivalry whiclT she displayed in behalf of Mr. Ward, hor favorite candidate. Tho venerable Moses Brown has said, " that the violent hostility between these rival candi dates grew out of a private foud, which had long existed between WiUiam Wanton and E. Ward, and that to this cause alone was the poUtical war waged for so long a period." At that day, however, a greater freedom of opinion was manifest ; parties were not afraid to shew their colors ; the chain had not then been forged to bind the human mind, and crush the inteUectual power of man in the dust. There was a pride of character, then possessed by tho inhabitants of Newport, which we would feign flatter ourselves may bo revived. Those gentlemen wore again soon called from the peaceful quiet of domestic retreat, to enter tho field, as friends, to con tend for the rights of the Colonies, against the encroachments of British power ; and engaged in the cause of American free dom, when one soul animated each heart. , They were among the first who fearlessly stood forth in defence of the rights of their country. That they fully enjoyed the confidence of their foUow-citizons, both as patriots and statesmen, is demonstrated in their choice to represent them in the first Continental Congress. Mr. Hopkins' name, with that of WiUiam EUery, stands inscribed on the proudest monument of fame — The Declaration of American Independence ; — and, though Mr. Hopkins' hand trembled, owing to a paralytic stroke, his heart never. Tho following inscripticn appears on his tombstone, which has a rich coat of arms emblazoned on its head : THE HARARD FAMILY. 147 This Monument is erected to the Memory of The Honorable EICHAED WAED, Esq., late governor of the colony. He was early in life Employed in the Public Service, And for many years Furnished some of the most Important Offices For the Colony, With great ability and reputation. He was a Member of the Sabbatarian Church of the Town, And adorned the doctrine of his Saviour, By a sincere and steady practice Of the various duties of life. He died on the 21st day of August, 1763, In the 7Sth year of his age. THE HAR4.RD FAMILY. The Hararde were descended from Thomas Harard, who emigrated from Wales, about the year 1639, to the Jerseys, and from thence to Ehode Island, and settled in Portsmouth in 1640. His son, Eobert, at that time about four years old, came with him, and was the only son that did so, as far as can be ascertained. The eldest son of Eobert was Thomas, who died in 1745, aged 92. His children wore Eobert, George, Jeremiah, Benjamin, Stephen, Jonathan, and Thomas. From these sons a numerous issue have descended, and many of them distinguished men. George Harard, mentioned above in the record, was the son of Thomas, who was Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony in the years 1734, 5, 6, 7, aud 8, and great-grandson of the first settlers, who died in South Kingston. George, the youngest, early settled in Newport, as a merchant, and was elected a representative to the General Assembly from that town, for many years. He was the only Mayor of Newport under the city charter, in 1784, and held other honorable and responsible offices in the Stata He died at Newport, August 11th, 1797. Nathaniel Harard, third son of Mayor George, was a repre sentative in the General Assembly for several years, and was 148 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Speaker of the House. In 1818, ho was elected a representa tive to Congress. He died in Washington, and was interred in tho Congressional burying-ground. " The late Hon. Benjamin Harard was a profound lawyer, and represented his native town, Newport, in the General Assembly for thirty-one years, and, of course, was subjected to tho ordeal of sixty-two popular elections, a singular proof of the enlightened stability of his constituents, of his general high desert, and,., his peculiar fitness for this important office. This fact, independent of all others, entitles him to claim rank as a distinguished man, and, as it were, demonstrates the possession of those impressive and useful qualities, whose combination render character at once eminent and enduring. " His knowledge of the affairs -of tho State was far more extensive than that of any other man, and his attachment to her interest and prosperity was unbounded. Governor James Fenner once said, ' Mr. Harard, you are in every respect a Ehode Island man ;' this was a high encomium, and well merited. Mr. Harard's course of reading and of study, operat ing upon a mind of genuine native strength, and confirming and justifying a native steadiness of will, (the germ and guaran tee of greatness,) gave to all his literary efforts and political proceedings, an air and cast of originality. In the middle and latter periods of his professional career, he was employed in most of tho importaut lawsuits of the day, both in the Courts of the State, and the United States." — Updike's History of the Narragansett Church. A block of wood, from the house built by Governor WilUam Coddington, was procured by W. A. Clarke, Esq., cashier of tho bank of Ehode Island, and is now used to cancel notes. In 1772, King, now Franklin, and Pelham-streets, were paved, from the proceeds of lotteries granted for that purpose. On tho 16th of July, a packet, from Newport to Providence, with a number of passengers, was captured near the north end of Prudence, by a refugee-boat, with eight men. On its being known at Newport, a packet was manned by volunteers, under Capt. Webster, who succeeded in recapturing the vessel, before she could be got to sea, and brought her in, together with five of the men belonging to the boat. We presume that this was Capt, Nicholas Webster, who was franklin's PRINTING PRESS. 149 for many years a very successful packet-master ; he was grand. father of the wife of James Atkinson, Esq., publisher of the " Advertiser." On the 13th of July, a most distressing accident took place in Newport ; a pleasure party, consisting of five young men, and thirteen young women, while on their way to Canonicut Island, in a two mast boat, wore upset in a squall, and one of the young men, and six young women wer^ drowned ; the remainder of the party were rescued by a boat in sight. The names of those lost were John StaU, Betsy and Lydia Hockey, daughters of William Hockey, Polly Spoonor, Betsy Allen Nabby Stanton, and Suckey Hefferon. Matthew Cozzens, an eminent merchant, buUt the house, commonly called the Dudley House, in Middletown. FRANKLIN'S PRINTING PRESS. The history of Franklin's press is this : — James Franklin, elder brother of Dr. Benjamin, imported, in 1720, a press and type, for the purpose of carrying on the " Art and business of Printing.'' He soon after issued the first number of the " New England Courant," the second paper published in America. His brother Benjamin became his apprentice, and was employed in distributing copies to his customers, after having assisted in composing and working thom off. The pubUsher of the Cou rant having given offence to tho Assembly, the paper was suppressed, and he removed his office to Newport. Here he fipt pubUshed the " Ehode Island Gazette," and shortiy after (1758,) established the " Newport Mercury." The press was used as long as it was serviceable. It is now honored as the one on which Dr. Franklin worked, when learning his trade ; and as giving to the world his first effusions, in the form of anonymous letters, printed in the " Courant." It stiU remains in the printing office of tho " Newport Mercury." Amidst the changes which have occurred in Newport, many of which are of a most painful character, there are, nevertheless, some estatesj which have remained in the families from the early 150 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. settlement of the Island, and some prior to the American Eevo lution. It may prove interesting to the reader to bo informocj on this subject. The Overing property has continued to the present period, in the hands of the heirs, Cahoone, Freebody, Hockey, Job Cornell, Webber, John Stephens, Martin Howard, corner of Malborough and Thames-street, Jonathan T. Almy, and the Marsh Estate, which deed was given by Governors Walter Clark, Bull, and Carr, from the early settlement. In Portsmouth, tho farm of Burrington Anthony, Esq., has been in the family from the period of the settlement, as weU as the Mott, CoggeshaU, Sisson, &c. Caleb Carr was a native of Scotland, and came to Ehode Island, but tho precise time is not known ; ho was a large owner of land in the towns of Newport and Jamestown, some of which is held by his descendants, together with the ferry, as originally granted to him, and have since remained in the famUy. He held various offices in the Colony, and was Governor here in 1695, and died before the expiration of that political year. His tomb-stone is stiU legible, and lies in the Carr burial ground, in Newport, which ground was sequestered, and given by him for that use. It contains the foUowing inscription : Here lies the body of CALEB CAEE, Governor of this Colony, who departed this life, the 17th day ol December, in the 73d year of his age, in the year 1695. He left three sous, John, Nicholas, and Samuel. John settled in Newport; Nicholas, in Jamestown; and Samuel, on Long Island. John, the eldest, died in Newport, 1717, leaving four sons, Samuel, Caleb, Eobert, and Frances. Samuel, the oldest, settled and died in Newport, 1740, leaving four sons, Caleb, Samuel, Ebenezer, and John. Samuel, the second son, settleU in Newport, afterwai-ds removed to Jamestown, and died 1796, leaving two sons, Samuel and Ebenezer. Samuel, the oldest, settled in Newport, and died 1814, leaving four sons and one daughter, who owned tho Ferry Estate, which descended to him^ in a regular line, from Caleb Carr, to whom tho first grant was given for a ferry between Newport and Jamestown, by an Act of the Assembly of Ehode Island. It is stUl in tho possession of the grandchUdren of Samuel Carr. THE ARTISTS OF NEVVPORT. 151 This account of the family was furnished the author by Eobert E. Carr, Esq., of Newport, son of Samuel. The Carr burial ground is situated on the north side of what was once caUed the Ferry Wharf Lane, but now Mill-street. We would suggest the importance of having this ground renovated and improvedi THE ARTISTS OP NEWPORT. The interest which accumulates as we proceed in the history of Newport, admonishes us of tho necessity of being brief No spot presents more attractive materials than Newport. Before the Eevolution, she had attained to a high degree of celebrity, and stood unrivalled by any city or town in the Colonies. Doc tor Benjarnin Waterhouse, himself a native of Newport, says : " The island of Ehode Island, from its salubrity, and surpris ing beauty, before the Eevolutionary war so sadly defaced it, was the chosen resort of the rich and philosophical, from nearly aU parts of the civilized world. In no spot of the thirteen, or rather twelve Colonies, was there concentrated more individual opulence, learning, and liberal leisure." It was no doubt owing to the highly cultivated taste of her in habitants, why so many of her youth indulged in poetry and paint ing. Newport has been fertile in producing artists, some of whom have been highly distinguished in their profession. Edward G. Malborn, son of Col. John Malborn, has left an imperishable fame as a miniature painter. It is said that when Mr. Malborn, who wont to Europe for the purpose of improvement in his profession, was introduced to Mr. West, and produced specimens of his work, after examining thom, that distinguished and celebrated artist, inquired for what purpose he had come to England ? Mr. Malborn answered, to perfect himself in the art of painting. Mr. West replied, " Sir, you can go home again, for a man who can paint such a picture as this, need not come to England for instruction." His picture of the " Past, Present, and Future," now belonging to his brother-in-law, John G. Whitohorne, Esq., is one of the most chaste and splendid things of the kind in ex istence. It represents three female figures. The Past has an air 152 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. of dejection, the Present seems all life and animation, the Future buoyant with hope, and anticipating unalloyed pleasure. " Earth's perfection, angel graces In each feature fair." We fondly hope that this valuable relic wiU never be taken from Newport. Washington AUston received his first instructiofls as a painter, from Mr. Samuel King, late of Newport, who displayed a fine taste in the art, and his propensity for painting was probably cultivated by his residence during his boyish days, amid the scenery of Newport, whence he had come from South CaroUna to attend the classical school in this place, kept by the late Eobert Eogers, Esq. Charles B. King, now resident in Washington city, where as a painter, he is much patronized, is also a native of Newport It has been said that Mr. King wishes to bestow his valuable collection of paintings on his native town, on condition tha,t a, suitable place be provided for their reception. It is highly de sirable that a chaste building should at once be erected, for the Southern Department, in which to pl*ge whatever is valuable in a historical point of view. And many others, who have not en gaged in this employment as a profession, in their early days have sketched, and drawn, and painted, until immersed in the business of life, they have dropped the pencil, but stiU retain the taste. Gilbert Stewart is claimed as being a native of Newport, though Mr. Updike says he was born in Narragansett. We have no wish to claim for Newport more than she deserves, but will merely state the discrepancies of the two accounts of his birth-place, and leave the reader to judge. The following is extracted from a letter of Miss Anne SteW: art, the daughter of Gilbert Stewart, addressed to Mr. Updike. She states in reply to the questions asked, in relation to what family of Anthony's her great grandmother was, that she " was tho daughter of Captain John Anthony, who was from Wales, and had a farm on the Island, near Newport, which he sold to Bishop Berkley. It was on this farm that my mother was born, and was married in Narragansett to my grandfather, GU- bert Stewart, who was from Perth in Scotland. Thoy had but three chUdren, James, Anne, and Gilbert. As to their birthplace, THE .IRTISTS OF NEWPORT. 153 you are much better informed than myself. My father was edu cated in the grammar-school in Newport, and then sent to Scot land, to Sir George Chambers, for the purpose of finishing his education at Glasgow, after which he returned to Newport, where ho remained for a time, and was then sent io England to study with Benjamin West, the groat historical painter of that day." — Updike's History. It seems from this letter that Mr. Stewart was educated iu Newport, and after going abroad, on his return comes to Now- ¦ port, and here tarries, but not one word of his being at Narra gansett. Miss Anno Stewart seems to be quite ignorant of her father's birth-place ; she refers the matter entirely to' Mr. Up dike, which is most certainly strange and unaccountable. We have conversed with Miss Jane Stewart, and she appeared to be ignorant of his birth-place being in Narragansett. She remarked that her father's associations and attachments wore all in New- , port, and she expresses a strong wish that tho remains of her father which lie buried in Boston, might bo removed here and placed by the side of his wife, which repose in the common burial ground in Newport. Without attempting to invalidate the statement made by Wilbour Hammond, of tho conversation said to have passed be tween him and Mr. Stewart, on his last visit to Narragansett, as every one is liable to mistakes and misapprehensions ; it be comes us to offer such evidence as is furnished of tho birth place of this distinguished man. An aged and highly respectable citizen of Newport, in a con versation with him on his last visit to Newport, and before crossing the ferries to visit the old snuff mill, which his father had formerly carried on, he asked him the question, where he was born ; standing near the spot, he pointed to the story and half house, at the head of Bannister wharf, on the south side, and said : " there I have been told that I was born." This statement is confirmed by other aged citizens, which has given the impression that Stewart was a native of Newport. It is certain that the name of Gilbert Stewart appears in the census taken by John Bannister in 1770, and he is there found in the very spot where he stated that he was born. The buUding has since been taken down and another erected in its place. It is also said that he derived his first impression of painting from 154 HISTORY OF RHOUE ISLAND. witnessing Neptune Thurston, a slave, who was employed in his master's cooper-shop, sketch likenesses on the head of casks, and remarked that if he had an instructor, ho would make quite a celebrated artist. Stewart has been pronounced to have been tho greatest painter of tho human head, that the age in which he lived produced, and perhaps of any other age. The form and features of the father of his country, tho immortal Washington, from his pencil, will be transmitted to posterity, not only with truth and accu racy, but in a stylo of execution, worthy of the subject, and that, too, by a son of our own favored isle. The likeness of Wash ington, in the State House at Newport, was pronounced by Stewart as his greatest effort. And it is said he wished his native town to have it. THE NEWPORT BAR. 1771. Henry BuU was the grandson of Henry Bull, one of the eighteen associates who first came to Ehode Island. He was born 23d of November, 1687. Being a man of strong powers of mind, he studied, and soon acquired a knowledge of the law, and became distinguished as a practitioner in the courts. He was occasionally a member of the House of Eepresentatives from Newport, elected Attorney-General, in 1721, re-elected in 1722, but declined serving. He was elected Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives in 1728-9 ; was one of tho Committee to conduct and manage the controversy between the Colonies of Ehode Island and Massachusetts, respecting the eastern boundary. He was Chief Justice of tho Court of Common Pleas for Newport county, at its first establishment in 1749. " I have hoard," says Major BuU, " the aged who had been acquainted with him, relate what he had told about his law edu cation. When he had made up his mind to practice law, he wont into the garden {o exorcise his talents in addressing the Court and Jury. He then selected five aabbagos, in one row, for Judges, and twelve in another row for Jurors. After trying his hand there awhile, he went boldly into court aud took upon himself the duties of an advocate, and a little observation aud THE NEWPORT BAR. 155 experience there, convinced him that the same cabbages were in the court house which he thought he had left in the garden ; five in one row and twelve in another." The conclusion to which he arrived proves him to have been a man of common sense, and a strict observer of human nature. But by whatever means he acquired a knowledge of the law, he certainly rose to the height of his profession, as a practitioner in the courts of law and admiralty ; as the profession stood in his day. Ho partook liberally of the enjoyments of life, was of an amiable and engaging disposition, and lived to a great age ; having boon born November 23d, 1687, and dying December 24th, 1771, aged 84. James Honyman was the son of Eev. James Honyman, Eoctor of Trinity church, Newport. As a speaker, Mr. Honyman was elaborate, but his industry, talents, and faithfulness, commanded an extensive and profitable practice at Newport, and on the cir cuit. In deportment he was dignified — always dressed in the best fashions of the times — scrupulously formal in manners — domestic, yet social in his habits. In person, he was tall, broad- shouldered, and muscular, but not fleshy. Mr. Honyman married Elizabeth, the daughter of George Golding, a merchant of Newport, aud left two sons and six daughters. Most of his daughters and granddaughters having married British officers, or Americans adhering to tho cause of the Crown, departed with the enemy, when the British evacu ated Newport ; and the estates devised to thom by Mr. Hony man wore confiscated. Thoy were afterwards restored by an Act of Assembly. Daniel Updike having appUed himself to the study of the law, and being duly admitted to the bar, opened an office in New port, and married Sarah, the daughter of Gov. Benedict Arnold Mr. Updike in person was about five feet ton inches in height, with prominent features. As an advocate, he sustained a high reputation ; and among other personal advantages, possessed a clear, full, and musical voice. Dr. Bradford used to speak of him as being a " fine sppakor, with groat pathos and piercing irony." Mr. Updike possessed a large Ubrary of classical and general Uterature, a considerable portion of which is now extant. 156 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Mr. Updike and Dean Berkley were intimate friends. In testimony of the friendship and esteem which the Dean enter tained for Mr. Updike, he presented him on his departure for Europe, an elegantly wrought silver coffee pot, and after his arrival, sent him his " Minute Philosopher," which now remains in the family as remembrancers of this distinguished divine. Augustus Johnson. He came to Ehode Island, when quite young, studied law with Matthew Eobinson, Esq., who was his stepfather, and settled at Newport. After a few years' practice he was considered one of tho best lawyers in the State. With an acute and penetrating mind, he could unravel the most intri cate cases with apparent ease, but his great forte was in sifting and reconciling discordant testimony. Mr. Johnson was a loyalist, and the stand which he took in favor of the Crown, brought down the ire of the whole populace against him. Th'is was on account of his acceptance of the office of Stamp-Master. He was constantly hissed at and insulted in the streets, but it had Uttle or no effect on his determinations. In 1765, his house was surrounded by an infuriated coUoction of men, who by their unusual tumult and rage, first led him to feel that his person was in danger. Ho was afterwards seized, and after suffering many indignities, a promise was extorted from him, to resign the office, with which he reluctantly com plied. On the repeal of the Stamp Act, in 1766, as soon as the news was received, the people of Newport erected a gaUows, near the State House, and had the effigies of Mr. Johnson, Martin How ard, jun., and Dr. Moffat, the stamp-masters, conveyed through the streets, in a cart, with halters about their nocks. Thoy were carried to the gallows and hanged, and shortly after cut down and burnt, amid the shouts and acclamations of tho assembly. The contents of their houses and cellars were destroyed by a mob at night. Howard died Chief Justice of South Carolina ; 9. fine portrait of him is in the Boston Court House. The popu lar indignation made it necessary for Mr. Johnson to seek pro tection on board of a British armed vessel then lying in the har bor. In tho year 1779, ho accompanied the enemy's forces to Now- York. His property in Newport was confiscated, and as remuneration for his persecutions, he received a pension from tho British Government as long as ho lived, and after him the THE NEWPORT BAR. 157 same was continued to his widow, who survived him many years. Major Matthew Eobinson Johnson, was the son of Augustus ' Johnson, who was a native of New Jersey ; he was born in Newport, in 1761, and entered the British army at an:,early age, and served under the Duke of York and General Abercromby, at the siege of Dunkirk, and was in tho various battles during the campaign in HoUand ; he afterwards served iu the West Indies, and in all sustained the reputation of an accomplished and brave officer. After the peace of 1800, feoUng a longing desire to revisit his native place, he sold his commission, and came to Newport, where he married, and resided, except for a few years, on a farm in Portsmouth, until his death, which took place on the 5th of May, 1818, in the 56th year of his age. He was a high-minded and honorable man, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. His former residence, in Portsmouth, is now the Asylum for the Poor of that town. Henry Marchant, was another highly distinguished counsel lor. His father was Hexford Marchant, of Martha's Vineyard, a .caiptain in tho merchant service. His wife was a Butler, who. died when the subject of this memoir was four years old, aishort time after the removal of the family to Newport. Capt Marchant married, for his second wife, tho daughter of the first, and sister of tho second General Ward. The connection which the father had formed with the Ward famUy, had a happy effect upon the future destiny of tho son. Having completed his studies under every favorable advantage, he came to Newport, and commenced practise. He was the only dissenting, or " liberty lawyer," in the Colony. His acquirements, industry, and forensic talent, soon raised him to the head of his profession. In 1 766, Mr. Marchant wrote and prepared the deed from WiUiam Eead, to William EUery, John Collins,: Eobert Cooke, and Samuel Fowler, of " Liberty Tree lot," (a large'buttonwood tree standing on it, at tho north end of Thames-str^t, Newport.) Said lot and tree thereon, wore conveyed to the grantees " in trust, and forever thereafter to be known by the name of the ' Tree of Liberty,' to be set apart to, and for the use of, the sons of liberty ; and that the same stand as a monument of the spirited and noble opposition to the 158 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Stamp Act, in the year 1765, by the sons of Uberty in Newport, and throughout the continent of North America, and to be considered as emblematical of ' public Uberty taking deep root in EngUsh America, of her strength and spreading protection, of her benign influences, refreshing her sons in all their just struggles against the attempts of tyranny and opprassion.' And furthermore, the said tree of Uberty is destined and set apart for exposing to pubUc ignominy and reproach, all offenders against tho liberties of the country, and the abettors and approvers of such as would enslave hor. And, in general, said tree is hereby set apart, for such other purposes as they, the true born sons of liberty, shall, from time to time, from age to age, and in all times and ages hereafter, apprehend, judge, and resolve, may subserve the glorious cause of Public Liberty." The deed is witnessed by thirty-one of tho most respectable and influential Whigs in Newport. When the island was afterwards possessed by the enemy, the tree, thus dedicated, was destroyed ; but after the evacuation, in 1783, it was replaced by another, which is stiU standing. The names, engraved on -copper, and placed on the tree, are nearly covered over by tho tree's enlargement. Let the inhabi tants of Newport be reminded of their liberties, when they look on this tree, and guard against eveiy attempt to under mine their glorious privileges. HON. HENEY MAECHANT, Member of the Revolutionary Congress, and United States' Judge for the District of Rhode Island, Died August 30th, 1796, .aETATIS 66. WilUam Channing was another distinguished counsellor, of Newport. In early Ufe he sustained many honorable offices by legislative appointment, and at the annual State election in 1777, he was, by his fellow-citizens, elected Attorney-General, without opposition ; his predecessor, Mr. Marchant, having been, at the same period, chosen delegate to the Confederated Congress. MEDICAL FACULTY. 159 Mr. Channing was grandson of John Channing, of Dorset shire, England ; the first of the name who came to America, and who arrived in Boston about 1715. He was bom in Now- port, May 31st, 1751, and was educated at Aashua HaU, (Princeton College,) where he graduated in 1769. He was the father of the late W. E. Channing, D. D., who ranks as one of tho most eminent divines the world has ever produced, as also Walter Channing, M. D., of Boston, who is distinguished as a philanthropist. Matthew Eobinson, the only son of Eobert Eobinson, was ap pointed Searcher of the Customs in Newport, by Queen Anne, and assumed the duties of theoffice about theyear 1 706. Matthew was born in Newport, in tho year 1709. He was well educated, and was an apt and ready Latin and Greek scholar, but whether ho graduated frorh any public institution, cannot now bo ascer tained. He estabUshed an office in Newport, about forty years before the Eevolution, and practised law with reputation, and his business was considerable on the circuits. He was a groat collector of amazing incidents, trite sayings, and conundrums, which he preserved in a book kept for that purpose. One was, " that it was difficult to drive a black hog in the dark." Eobert Lightfoot was born in London, in 1716. His family were wealthy, and of high rospectabiUty. He graduated from tho University of Oxford, studied law in the Inner Temple, and was appointed Judge of the Vice Admiralty, in the Southern District of the United States, in the reign of George II, with a salary of £6,000 a year. He entered upon the duties of his office, but the cUmate enfeebling his health, he came to New port, which was then, as now, celebrated for its restorative influence to renovate his impaired constitution. Finding the island and its scenery as deUghtful as his fancy could sketch, and its society refined and attractive, he was disinclined to return, and resigned his office. Tho venerable Dr. Waterhouse, in his letter, observes, " I knew Judge Lightfoot very well ; he was a well-educated man, and first taught me to value and study Lord Bacon, and from him I learnt to value Locke, and Newton, and Boerhaave. He was the oracle of literary men in Newport ; was a very able and learned man, and appeared, at Ehode Island, I thought — 160 HISTORY or RHODE ISLAND. * * * I Condemn' d to trudge. Without an equal, and without a judge.' " He was a great epicure, a perfect encyclopaedia, and wel come to the tables of the first characters, and constantly dined from home." (In those days Grahamism was unknown, and to enjoy life seemed to be the wish and desire of all.) " He was not a buffoon or mimic, but a fine relator of apt anecdotes. He informed every body, and contradicted no one, but had a happy Socratic method of teaching. He honored me with his notice, and I gained more knowledge from him than any other man in the choice of books." Those were the palmy days of Newport, when the island was the inteUectual consteUation of this Western hemisphere. MEDICAL FACULTY. The names of Hunter, HaUiburton, Brett, Moffat, Hooper, &c., rank high among the most eminent physicians of that or any other age. Dr. Waterhouse says : " About the year 1756, Dr. WiUiam Hunter gave at Newport, E. I., the first anatomical and surgical lectures over deUvered in the twelve Colonies. Thoy were delivered in tho Court House, two seasons in succession, by cards of invitation, and to great satisfaction. His collection of instruments was much larger than any professor exhibits at this day. Dr. Hunter was a man of talents, well-educated at Edinburgh, and a gentleman of taste in the fine arts." He further says, alluding to Dr. Hunter and Halliburton : " We doubt whether Boston, New-York, or PhUadelphia, ever had, at one and tho same time, two practitioners of physic and surgery, better educated and more skillful than these two gentie- men." Dr. Hunter's daughters were said to have been beautiful and accompUshed women. Soon after the peace of 1783, they went with their mother to Europe, for the purpose of procuring medi leal aid for one of the daughters. The youngest was married on the Continent, to Mr. Falconer, a celebrated banker in Naples, and tho other to Count do CaUender. Dr Hunter was the father of the late Hon. WUliara Hijnter, who was Minister to Brazil, South America. Of his distin guished talents wo are fully acquainted. Ho was one of nature's MEDICAL FACULTY. 161 noblemen, and his native town of Newport felt justly proud of him, and highly appreciated his commanding talents, in their electing him to the various offices of importance in the State, and in the national councils. In tho Senate of the United States none held a higher rank. His eloquence was listened to with the profoundest attention. He showed himself a man ; one who was every way qualified to discharge the high and important trust committed to him by his constituents. His form and car riage indicated the finished gentleman. Those who remember him in his palmy days, will be ready to respond to the view here given of him. Mr. Hunter was an independent man ; he acknowledged no superior in the sense as to lead him to abandon his own pri vate opinion, to gratify some would-be lordling. He planted his feet on the broad principle of right, and maintained the honor and dignity of the country which gave him birth. Ho enjoyed the friendship and esteem of James Madison and Andrew Jackson, which wo conceived to be no smaU honor. Mr. Hunter was of tho old school. Ho never foUowod in the track of the modern pigmies and dwarfs, whoso pedantry lead them to think that aU knowledge wiU die with them. His was a higher stan dard of moral excellence, derived from an age when firmness and stabUity of character wore tho characteristics of the times. Dr. Isaac Center, who succeeded the distinguished names already, was a native of Londonderry, N. H., and was bom about the year 1753. Ho received his medical education in Newport, E. I., that place being famed at the time for tho num ber of its distinguished physicians. While pursuing his studies, the news of the battle of Lexington, April 177-'), arrived, and fiUed with patriotic ardor, he immediately joined tho Ehode Island troops, whom he accompanied to the camp at Cambridge, as a surgeon. On the organization 6f tho array, he received a con firmation of his appointment, and was sent with tho expedition of Gen. Arnold to Quebec. The road was up the Kennebec river, through the untried wilderness, which occupied thirty-two days, in the inclement months of November and December, before they reached the settlement on the Chaudiere ; the whole march was made on foot, during which he, with the rest of the army, suffered almost incredible hardships. In the assault on Quebec, all of Amold's division were either killed or made prisoners of war ; 162 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. among thelatter was young Center, who after beingdetained some time to attend to the sick and wounded, was released and suffered to return home. In 1779, he quitted the army, and served as a physician, in the town of Cranston, E. I., and was soon after elected one of the Eepresentatives to tho General Assembly, from that town. In 1784 he was chosen Surgeon and Physician- General of tho State and Army, and removed to Newport, where he commenced tho practice of physic, under the most favorable auspices, nearly all the old physicans having either died or emi grated during the war. Tho Eev. WilUam E. Channing, D. D., in speaking of Dr. Isaac Center, says : '' He was a physician of extensive practice, who was thought to unite with great experience, a rare genius in his profession, and whose commanding figure rises before mo, at tho distance of forty-five years, as a specimen of manly beauty, worthy of the chisel of a Grecian sculptor." He contributed to several papers, and also to the medical publications of the day, which acquired him a reputation not only in his own country, but in Europe. He died in 1799. He loft two sons and three daughters. Dr. Horace Center, was educated in England, and was a practising physician of Newport, a gentleman highly distinguished in his profession. Ho was killed near Savannah, Geo., in a duel with the Hon. John Eutledgo, of South CaroUna. Nathaniel Greene Center died at sea, having been in the East India service. Edward Gilbon, the youngest son, was a young man of fine genius and elegant appearance. His eldest daughter, Eliza, married Eev. N. B. Crocker, D. D., Eoctor of St. John's church. Providence. For forty-eight years he has continued to minister to this church and congregation, with acceptance. Having devoted tho energies of his nature in proclaiming tho Gospel of Christ, avoiding ques tions which gender strife, rather " than godly edifying, which is in faith" — a long life has not alienated, but increased and strengthened the affections of his people towards him, and evi dences the preponderance of good sense over ignorance, which distinguishes the societjr. It is no flattery to say of him, that he is a man of " blameless life and godly conversation," and entitled to the respect and confidence of the community among whom he has Uved for nearly half a century. Sarah married Clement S. Hunt, Purser in the U. S. Navy. FISH IMPORTED. 163 A Charter was granted to the Artillery Company in 1741, The first officers elected were : John Channing, "> Samuel Freebody, Walter Cranston, Josiah Brown, Jahleel Brenton, Capt. John Brown, 1st Lieut. William Mamford, 2d *' John TiUinghast, Ensign. Josias Lyndon, Clerk. ? Sergeants. Job Bennett, ) -r, Peter Freby, { Drummers. This company has always held a high rank, and embraced the most distinguished citizens of Newport And for the honor of tho town, and out of respect to the memory of the first offi cers, may it never lose its hold oa the hearts of the people. A List of Fish brought to Newport in 1779, as reported by Edward Thurston, Esq, Alewiv«8.Anchovies Bass, Sea and Striped Blue Fish ' Brill Bonnetta Sull Pish Bull's ] OodOusk Ora'aHeys Clams, Mud " Beach Cockles Crabs, Green ' Sand ¦" Spider " King " Sea " Running " Fiddler Cat Fish D DaceDrum E Egg Fish Eels, Sea " Laraper " Conger " Common " Saaid F flounders Frost Fisli ( Flying Fish j Grunters I H I Haddock Hake I HoUbut ! Herrings, English ! Lancets I LobstersLimpets M Mackerel, Round " Small ditto " Large Horse " Small! ditto " Spanish MenhadenMussels Millets Mummy Chogs MaidsMinnums O Oysters Perch, Sea " Fresh-water Pollnck, Whiting Plaice PoutsPike Pumpkin Fish Porpoise I « .i Quahog J Razor Ksh 1 Rudder Fish ! Ship Jack J Scuppague I Sheep's Head I Sneateague I Sturgeon I Skate I Shad ) Smelts I Sucking Fish \ Salmon ' Slice Fish I Sole [ Scollops I Squirt I Shrimps ' Sea Mails ; Sword Pish 1 Shiners I Sun Fish I Sharks I T [ ThrasherTarpum I Tantogae I Tom-Cod I Trout I Toad Fish i Tortoise " Sea W i Whale, Right " Humpback " Striped ^ " Booe 164 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND* Newport has long been justly celebrated, for having the best fish market in the world, both for variety and quaUty. The choicest kinds, and the most sought after, are tho Tautogue Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Horse Mackerel, and Blue Fish. The Tautogue, as served up in Newport style, is esteemed a very great luxury by the epi(;ure : cooked as they are, immediately after taken from the sea, render them greatly superior to those obtained elsewhere. It is one great inducement for strangers to visit Newport, in connection \vith other attractions which are to be met within this highly interesting town. It is delightful to ascend the diff where the- fishermen resort, and enjoy tho healthy breezes of the ocean, and contemplate the restless wave, dashing its starry foam along the rock-bound shore ; while at a distance the inflated white sails of passing ves sels, burnished by the meridian sun, glide on the bosom of the ocean, and dazzle with its brightness the attentive eye that watches the beautiful sight. Fishing, to the gentleman of leisure, is a pleasant pastime ; nothing is more exciting and animating, than to hook a fine white chin tautogue, aud draw him up on the rocks, in connec tion with anticipating the moment when he is placed on the gridiron, well-smothered with onions, &c. Why the mere thought makes the mouth water for such a repast. It has boon a question whether the facilities for fishing, which are enjoyed to so high a degree in Newport,, is of advantage or not to the place. We have no hesitation in saying, that situated as Newport is, it proves a great blessing to the inhabitants, afford ing employment to many who would otherwise have nothing to do ; and it is also a laudable occupation and conducive to health and longevity. It is one of God's blessings to his crea tures, and as such, should be highly appreciated and valued by the inhabitants. The Point — ^the northern part of Newport — ^is a highly inter esting and beautiful portion, already beginning to be appreciated by strangers. In this section of the town, many of the inhabi tants procure a Uvelihood by following the business of fishing. They own their boats, and go outside as far as Beaver-tail; occasionally they obtain a job to pilot some vessel to Providence, Fall Eiver, &c. The Youngs, Gladdings, Huddys, &c., have boon an easy and clever set of fellows, and they have well per formed their part in securing varieties from the briny deep.. THE FISH TRADE IN NEWPORT. 165 An old fisherman, Samuel Maxson, has kindly furnished the author with the most noted spots which have long been the re sort of the inhabitants of Newport, to take fish. They are to be found at the south part of the island, about two miles from the town, viz : Taylor's Point, Ellison's Eocks, Shelf Eock, Stanton Eock, Coggeshall's Ledge, Bass Eock, Eough Point, Cluster Island Eocks, GuUey, near the boat-house.. Spouting Eock, a Uttle to the w.eet of south, Jeffries' Point, or Eock Farm Point, Gooseberry Island, a short distance from Ehode Island. This was a favorite place of resort of Col. John Malborn, and his associates, who were often in the habit of spending a week OB the island, taking fish and adhering strictly to the old maxim of having their swim three times. They used to have ^ jolly time of it, and often indulged to excess. Cherry Neck, Price's Neck, Seal Eock, Brentcfe's Eeof^ Castle Hill, so named from an old fort remaining on the ferm. Isle Eock, Church's Beach, Kettle-bottom Eock, Almy'e Pond, and Lily Pond, where perch were occasionally taken ; the salt water fish being pre ferred, on account of tlieir superior flavor, not many are taken. These are the m-ost important places in Coggeshall and Bren ton's Neck ; aud no sight is more pleasing than to witness the fishermen returning with a fine supply of fish, to furnish New port market. Every day in the year some kinds offish may be found at the head of Banister's Wharf, Ferry Wharf, and the Granary or Brick Market, the three principal depots. Here stand the wheel-barrows, with their dioice contents, an object of interest to the inhabitants. This is one of the old land-marks, Uke the blue eggs and egg-nog, which continue to be sold on the day of general election, and may these relics of antiquity forever dis tinguish the town. Wild fowl are at certain aeasoos quite abundant, and are es teemed a great luxury by many. Captain Jeremiah Bliss, the son of the late Elder BUsa, who has attained to the advanced age of fourscore years, was considered the best shot on the Island ; he has been known in former days to load a horse with Boa-fowl. To the man of leisure, it is fine sport to shoot the fowl which hover around the shores, and stiU more Ratifying, to partake of a fiue stew, made of them 166 HISTORY OF RHOUE ISLAND. Having alluded to the Boat-house, wo would subjoin a few remarks. It has existed from a very early period, and was in tended as an accommodation to. the inhabitants of Newport. Captain Jeremiah Bliss says : " I have known it for more than sixty years, and helped to build the one which was destroyed in the September gale." The Malborn's, &c., were in tho habit of resorting there before this period, and had partitioned off a room to keep their guns and ammunition. In the transfer of the farm, which has been frequent, this privilege to the land has always been granted, as being a public benefit in which each citizen of the town had a right to participate. There was one attempt made to question the propriety of having this site oc cupied for the above purpose, but public opinion put the matter to rest. Sir GranviUe Temple's daughter died of small pox, and was buried on the Harrison Farm, S.^. W. of the Lime Eocks. Dark Day, 1780. The Dark Day was distinguished by the phenomenon of a remarkable darkness in the North part of America, and is still caUed the Dark Day. The following is an account of its appearance at Newport, as given at the time : " There fell here a singular and remarkable darkness, which overspread the hemisphere for about five hours^ In tho mornr ing wore showers attended with distant thunder; about 1 0 o'clock A. M., a darkness came on, which by 1 1 o'clock, was perceived to be very unusual and extraordinary, and in half an hour after was considered as what was never before seen in those northern climates in America. The darkness was so intense, from a little before noon to tv/o o'clock,, as that persons could not read, and it became necessary to light up candles. Even the fowls, it is said, went to roost. Many of the inhabitants were thereupon thrown into the greatest consternation, as if tho ap pearance was supernatural, and believed that the Day of Judg ment was about to come. A littie after 2, P. M., it became Somewhat lighter,, but the darkness soon returned. About 3 o'clock it began to go off,, and at 4, P. M., the heavens resumed their usual light, as in a cloudy day, although the cloudiness continued aU the rest of the afternoon." Various wore the speculations on the event, but no fixed oour elusions were ever arrived at. LOOK-OUT HOUSE BUILT. 167 GREAT SNOW STORMS AND INTENSE COLO. In 1717, two great snow storms took place, on the 20th and 24th of February, which covered the ground so deep with snow, that people for some days could not pass from one house to another. Old Indians said, their fathers had never told thom of such a snow. It was from ten to twenty feet deep, and generally covered the lower stories, so that people dug paths from one house to another, under the snow. Soon after, a sUght rain fell, and the frost crusted it over, so that the people went out of their chamber windows, and walked over it. Many of the farmers lost their sheep, and most of tho sheep and swine which were saved, lived from one to two weeks without food. Great damage was done to the orchards, by the snow freez ing to the branches, and splitting them from the trees by its great weight. This fall of snow formed a remarkable era in New England, and old people in relating an event would say, that it happened so many years before, or after, the great snow. About the first of January, 1780, a period of steady cold commenced ; during forty days, even on the south and sunny side of tho buildings in warm situations, there was no indication of a thaw. The light and dry snow drifted and eddied with the incessant motion of the wind ; paths opened, were imme diately filled up, and communication was entirely interrupted. Narragansett Bay remained frozen over for six weeks, and the ice extended from the shore as far as the eye could see. The~ inhabitants of Newport experienced tho greatest distress for fuel ; wood could not be had, and they were obliged to resort to wharf logs, old buildings, fences, and every other ex pedient to keep themselves from freezing. Wood was sold at tho enormous price of $20 per cord. Provisions wore equally scarce. Corn was sold at four silver dollars per bushel, and potatoes at two dollars per bushel ; and other articles in like proportion. In 1756, a look-out house was built on the top of the stone miU, which then belonged to John Banister, Esq. Benedict Arnold's daughter married Edward Pelham, who inherited his 168 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. estate. Mr. Pelham left two daughters, one of whom married John Banister, and the other John Cowley, to whom his estate descended, consisting of Banister's Wharf, and the one known as Stephens' Wharf, which extended from Pelham-street to what is now called Bellevuestreet The Banister family once filled a large place in Newport. The farm of the late George Irish, Esq., was the country seat of the Banisters. They lived in a style of affluence, and the choice viands which graced their table, would satisfy an epicurean palate. But one of the name is now left in Newport, of this once distinguished family. We have in our view at this very moment, Mrs. Banister, one of the older branches of the family, who resembled a lady dowager in the dignity of her appearance, and the courteousness of her manners. THE STONE MILL. " Fancy spreads her wing Around thy time-scathed brow, and deeply tints Her fairy scroll, while hoar antiquity In silence frowns upon the aimless flight. And whatsoever bears The stamp of hoary time, and hath not been The minister of evil, claims from us Some tribute of respect." In dimensions this miU is nearly twenty-five feet in height, its diameter on the outside is twenty-three feet, and inside is eighteen feet nine inches. It is circular, and supported upon eight arches, resting on thick columns, about ten feet high ; tho height of tho centre of the arches from the ground is twelve feet six inches, and the foundation extends to tho depth of four or five feet. There has boon much speculation, in relation to this struc ture, within the last twenty years ; strangers, visiting Newport, have attempted to make it out as being erected by tho labor of Northmen, whom they supposed to have discovered this continent, anterior to Columbus in tho twelfth century. THE STONE MILL. 169 These Northmen were the descendants of the Scandinavians, who, it is thought, sprang from tho Thracians, mentioned by Homer, a nation now extinct. The Danes, Swedes, Nor wegians, and Icelanders, all come under the name of Northmen, or Norsemen. Their literature has boon compared, in extent, to the literary remains of Greece and Latium. This opens a new fountain of research, where the scholar may often " Return and linger, linger and return.'' In a work recently published in Denmark, the author has attempted to show that the old Stone Mill was built by North men. Tho Eev. Mr. Kipp, of Albany, teUs me he saw at the residence of the Duke of Tuscany, a Swedish Count, who spoke of this building as the work of Northmen. He Was perfectly familiar with the discoveries of those whom he proudly called " his people." " The active mind of man instinctively surveys the dark regions of the past, and would gladly break the unfathomable sUence of the nations of the dead, and raise the veil where their beauty and glory have slept for ages. The strong desire to learn something of those who lived when time was young, leads the antiquarian to often adopt groundless theories." — Antiquities of America, by A. Davis. We have made this extract, for the purpose of preparing the mind of tho reader, to d«a,w his own inferences from the views entertained by antiquarians, with those which are hold by tho people of Newport, especiaUy those of David Melville, Esq., who has devoted much time and attention to tho investi gation of the subject. The most ridiculous views have been entertained of the nature and object of this structure, and also of the period when it was erected. These visionary ideas are of recent origin, and are not founded in fact, but the mere workings of a fanciful imagination which aims to surround the structure with a kind of romance, in order to gratify a morbid appetite which delights in tho marvellous. We shall offer extracts from the will of Governor Benedict Arnold, and of Edward Pelham, who mar ried his daughter, and then present the arguments which have been ably employed by one of our most respectable citizens, David Melville, Esq : ' 170 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " My body I desire and appoint to be buried at ye northeast corner of a parcel of ground containing three rods square, being of, and lying in, my land, in or near tho lino or path from my dwelling house, loading to my stone-buUt wind-miU, in ye town of Newport abovemontioned." — A True Copy from the F\,ecords of the Town Clerk's Office in the Town of Newport, Page 348. No. 5 Probate Records. What language could possibly have boon employed, more significant, to convey to tho mind the object for which this struc ture was reared, " my stone-built wind-mill, in tho town of New port." He does not say, " my so-called mill," as though he was ignorant of tho origin or tho design of the structure, but speaks in the most expUcit manner, no doubt being entertained in his mind, of the nature and design of the bmlding. We have asked the opinion of legal men, in what Ught they understood the language of Governor Arnold, and they have at once ad mitted that it was to be understood in its most literal significa tion, as a mUl built by Governor Arnold, for a useful purpose, viz. : to grind corn for the early settlers. Extract from Edward Pelham's wiU, dated May 21, 1741. Bequest to his daughter Hermseoino, tho wife of John Banister, after others previously made : " Also one other piece or parcel of land situated, lying and being in Newport aforesaid, containing eight acres or there abouts, with an old stone wind-mUl thereon standing, and being and commonly called and known by the name of tho mill field, or upper field." The butts and bounds shew this to be part of tho lot men tioned in Benedict Arnold's wiU, on which he says " standeth my dweUing, or mansion-house," &c., " as also my stone-built wind-miU." This property remained in the Banister family until the Ameri can Eevolution. Hero we have additional testimony of the nature and object of this structure, which has called forth such frequent discussions in tho public prints. It is hero clearly im- pUed, if language can be understood, that it was built for a wind-miU, and this has been the opinion of tho inhabitants of Newport, who have given the least attention to the subject. Mr. Pelham does not attempt to make out in his wiU, that it was anything else than what had boon before so lucidly and THE STONE MILL. 171 clearly described by Governor Benedict Arnold, but says, " an old stone wind-mUl thereon standing." No instrument ever writ ten could have been plainer or more to tho point; and it shows a very great weakness in the human mind, to attempt to prove that it was built anterior to the discovery of this Continent by Columbus. Those who settled the Island of Aquedneck, were not ignorant men, they had a knowledge of architecture, acquired in Europe, and tho abundance of stone at their hand, induced them to'eroot the wind-mill, of this material, as being more permanent and lasting. There is nothing very remarkable in its constructioni It is buUt of rough stone, placed without order, though in a communication made to the Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen, by Dr. Webb, he has made a statement so entirely incorrect as to deceive tho Society into tho idea that it could not have been erected by the early settlers of the island. He represents it as " built of stone, and laid in regular courses," which is not the fact, and had a tendency to mislead the mind of those to whom the statement was sent. To our mind, the construction of this mill for an important and useful purpose, viz., to prepare food for the inhabitants, is a rational conclusion to arrive at, and one infinitely preferable to the vague notion embraced by many minds living at a dis tance, that it was erected as a fortress to defend a race who occupied the Island in the twelfth century. The former is the only sensible view which can be taken of the subject, while the latter is replete with the most egregious folly. Nicholas Easton, who built the first house in Newport, makes no mention of the mill, which, if it had then boou standing, would no doubt have been made matter of record by him or others of the early settlers. A gentleman procured a quantity of the cement or mortar, from the wall of the old stone house in Spring-street, wl^ich was built by Henry Bull, one of the first purchasers of the Island, and immediately after the first settlement of the town, in 1638, and specimens from several other ancient buildings and stone chimneys, and some from the tombs of Governor Arnold and his wife, and from the stone mill, and analyzed and com pared them, and found thom of the same quality, and composed of sheU Ume, sand, knd gravel ; and considered it very strong 172 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. evidence that thoy were built not far from the same time — all probably within a period of thirty or forty years from each other. It will be borne in mind by the reader, that we noticed the making of shell-lime at a very early period of the settlement of the town. It may appear strange to the reader that this discovery has so recently been made. But when it is considered that public attention has never been called to the investigation of the sub ject until of late, their surprise and astonishment should cease. Many things are taken for granted, which may not in fact be true. It was currently reported and believed in olden times, that the celebrated spot known as Purgatory, at the second beach, had no bottom, and that frequent attempts had been made to sound it, but without effect. Now, so far from this being the truth, the tide ebbs and flows into it, and at low water it is quite shaUow. Superstition has ever had its votaries, down to the period of spiritual knockings. Wo will now subjoin a portion of the correspondence, held through tho Neivport Herald and The Rhode Islander, on this recently mooted subject, feoUng satisfied in our own mind that our venerable townsman, David Melville, Esq., has done ample justice to the subject, and confounded the idle theories of his opponents, and shown to the world that it is nothing more or less than an old stone mill. " Mr. Eastman, " Your readers will recollect the controversy published some months since in relation to this ancient structure, which ori ginated from the inquiry of a ' Visitor,' published in the Mercury, as to its origin and object, which was answered by a writer in the Newport Daily News, under the signature of ' Antiquarian, Brown University, Providence, Ehode Island.' Tho correctness of which was disputed, and pronounced false and groundless by the writer, under the signature of ' One of the Oldest Inhabitants,' published in the Herald of the Times and Ehode Islander. The pubUcation of his last article on the subject, in the Herald of August 5th, 1847, silenced ' Antiqua rian,' by showing conclusively that his whole statement was a base fabrication, without the least foundation in truth, and undoubtedly intended for deception ; the object of which ap- THE STONE MILL. 173 peared to be to fis the date of its structure to remote antiquity, and that it was tho works of the North men, (the ancient Scan dinavians,) who visited the eastern portion of this continent as early as the tenth century, and as evidence that they visited, and estabUshed themselves on this island at that period ; from what sinister motives this was undertaken, the writer will not attempt to decide, but leaves that to tho public. " In conformity to the declared intention of the writer to represent the facts to the Eoyal Society of Antiquarians at Copenhagen, he forwarded to the President of the Institution, by the favor of tho Honorable George Bancroft, our Minister in England, through tho Danish Legation in London, a copy of the Herald of the Times and Ehode Islander, of August 5, 1847, which contained the full report attributed to Professor Scrobien, as published by ' Antiquarian, Brown University, Providence, Ehode Island,' with a letter, caUing the attention of the Eoyal College to the subject, (which is too lengthy and quite unnecessary to be published,) asking tho favor of an answer, if such a report had ever boon made to tho Society, and acted upon as stated in tho report. " To this communication, the writer has just received the following answer : " ' Copenhagen, January 4th, 1848. " ' Sir, " 'Your letter of the 12th of August, with the Herald of the Times and Ehode Islander, of August 5th, 1847, I duly received a few days ago. " ' I beg to return you my thanks for the communication transmitted, and doom it my duty to inform you that the article vi'hich lately appeared in your journals, on the subject of the ancient structure in Newport is, from beginning to end, a downright fabrication, no such having ever been made to the Eoyal Society of Northern Antiquities as the one alluded to. Tho persons mentioned in the article, too. Bishop Oelrischor, Professors Scrobien, Graoty, &c., are aU fictitious characters, there never having exfeted here individuals bearing those names. Thus the entire notice is nothing more than a fiction, the object of which is to mystify the public. 174 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " ' It were to be wished, that such of the American journals as have admitted the article in question into their columns, would apprize tho public of its entire falsity. " ' In 1837 I pubUshed, on behalf of our Society, the Old Northern Sources to the Ante- Columbian History of America in the work entitled, Antiquitates Americans. Taking the astronomical, nautical, and geographical evidences contained in the ancient records themselves for a groundwork, I have en deavored to prove that our Scandinavian forefathers in the tenth century discovered a portion of the eastern coast of North America, and in particular visited Massachusetts and Ehode Island. " ' Inquirers of the greatest celebrity here in Europe, have looked upon tho arguments used by me as conclusive, among whom I may mention Alexander Humboldt, in his recently pubUshed Kosmos, vol. 11, pages 269-272, whore he considers the results of my investigations as historical facts fully de monstrated. " ' At the time when I published the work above alluded to, I was not aware of the ancient structure in Newport, which, consequently, cannot have led in tho remotest degree to the results deduced, nor is there a single word said about it in my work, which, moreover, is to be mot with in most of the larger libraries in America, as weU as in Europe ; and thus opens an easier access to the study of the original written sources them selves. " ' The right interpretation of the accounts in tho ancient parchment copies, clearly proves that it was precisely Massa chusetts and Ehode Island which the ancient Scandinavians visited, and where they estabUshed themselves. Tho agree ment of tho astronomical, nautical, and geographical evidences, leads in this respect to so certain a result, that doubtless nothing further is required. " ' The early monuments which are met with in those regions, unquestionably merit the attention of the investigator, but we must be cautious in regard to the inferences to be drawn from them. " ' Concerning the ancient structure ift Newport, (of which we had no previous knowledge whatever,) we first received a communication on the 22d of May, 1839, from Thomas H. THE STONE MILL. 175 Webb, M. D., (now of Boston, formerly of Providence,) which is inserted in our Memories dos Antiquaires du Nord, 1836 — 1839, page 361, and, I feel assured, that whoever reads that article, will therein discern all the caution which a scientific investigation demands, and aU the respect duo to an institution which has acquired confidence in and out of Europe. " ' From the drawings transmitted to us by a trust-worthy hand, our ablest judges skiUed in the history of architecture, have pronounced the architectural style of the building to be that of the twelfth century, from which period a structure exactly corresponding has been pointed out, along with others in the same style. It is difficult, however, without being on the spot, to offer any decided opinion as to the period to which the structure itself is to be referred, nor has any one here ven tured to do so. Here, in the North, no wind-mills occur of this construction, and a gentleman distinguished for his know ledge ih the progressive history of tho arts, and who has traveled much in Europe, has declared, that ho never mot with any such.* It would seem better, therefore, to leave tho matter undecided, until further information can be obtained. But, even supposing that the origin of this and other monuments cannot be ascertained with precision, this in no way affects the stabiUty of the historical facts deduced from the ancient manu scripts ; that the Scandinavians in the tenth century, discovered and established themselves in Ehode Island and Massachusetts, in proof of which no other testimo/iy is required than what is afforded by the ancient records themselves. " ' Our Society would be glad to receive trust-worthy ' In the " Penny Magazine of the Society for the diffusion of Useful Knowledge, for November, 1836," p. 480, there is an engraving of a Wind-mill at Chesterton, Warwickshire, England, erected after a design of Inigo Jones, which, without the roof and yanes, shew an exact fac-simile of the Old Mill at Newport. An aged shlp-mEister, late of this town, of the first respectability and of undoubted integrity, who has been many voyages to the North of Europe, informs me that he has seen there more than forty wind-mills, of the same material and construction aa the old wind-mill here ; and he had curiosity once to ask, at one of them, why they were built on pillars and open between them ¦? and was informed that on this construction the wind having a free passage through, there was no eddy wind caused to make a back sail and lessen the power. Other authorities might be quoted, but we think it wholly unnecessary, for every sensible mind after reading the evidence adduced, must be convinced of the object for which the structure was intended.— iVofe by the Author. « 176 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. communications on the subject of Ante-Columbian Monuments of America, to bo preserved in the American section of the Society's Historico-Archseological Archives, and also for inser tion in their Memories, in as far as they may be suited for the purpose. Such articles as the one you have made known to us, merits no place within the pale of science, and we are glad to observe that by you also, thoy are estimated according to their deserts. " ' I have the honor to be, sir, " ' Your obedient servant, " ' Charles C. Eafn, « ' Soc'y, E. 8. N. A." " ' David Melville, Esq., Newport, E. I.' " It appears by the foregoing letter that the Eoyal College re ceived a communication on the 22d of May, 1839, from Thomas H. Webb, M. D., (now of Boston, formerly of Providence,) which is inserted in their Memoirs dos Antiquaries du Nort, of 1836 — 1839, page 361, in which Doctor Webb gives a description .of tho architectural construction of the ruin, and they received also drawings of the same, transmitted to thom by trust-worthy hands, from which description, and the drawings referred to, their ' ablest judges,' skilled in the history of architecture, have pro nounced tho architectural stylo of the building to bo that of the twelfth century. Upon this it is barely necessary to remark, that the description given by Dr. Webb, as well as the drawings which were transmitted, though in their general contour cor rect, are in their minutise visibly incorrect, so decidedly so, as to mislead the judgment of those best skilled in tho history of architecture, and to render it impossible for thom to determine with any reliable precision, the period to which the structure may be referred ; there is no reliance, therefore, upon the opin ions pronounced by the ablest judges skilled in the history of architecture, founded on date so incorrect as that submitted to their inspection. " The Eoyal Society of Antiquarians, at Copenhagen, which is universally considered as the source of correct information, on facts relating to subjects of antiquity, have been imposed upon by unprincipled miscreants in this country. As an instance of their success in their attempts at deception, I would refer to tho following : The inscription on the Dighton Rock, which is THE STONE MILL. 177 undoubtedly an Indian inscription in commemoration of some great battle, and was so pronounced by General Washington, when a copy of it was shown to him at Cambridge, during the Eevolutionary War, he having soon many similar to it in the Indian country ; and is so considered by Henry E. Schoolcraft, Esq., Professor of Geology in the service of the United States, who visited tho Ebck the last summer, and who has seen many of the same description in various parts of the country, from Maine to the source of the Mississippi, and is acquainted with the meaning of many of tho characters in tho inscription. This inscription has been copied by some designing wretch, and for warded to the Eoyal Society of Antiquarians, at Copenhagen, undoubtedly for deception, and pubUshed in tho work alluded to by Prof Eafn, entitled Antiquitates Americana. The version of the inscription published in that work, and distributed throughout Europe and America, was altered so as to make it appear to have beentheworkof tho Scandinavians, by altering the characters, and adding in the body of the inscription, tho characters, 0 E I NX, whi9h is said to be tho name of one of their early navigators ; such unwarrantable conduct is disgraceful to the authors, an imposition on that highly respectable institution and the world, and ought to be discountenanced and exposed by every admirer of the correctness of facts relating to ages past. The Society has, (from misroprosontations made to them in regard to the ' Newport Euins,' as it has of late been called,) been drawn into an error in supposing that their Scandinavian forefathers visited in the 10th century the island of Ehode Island. At the remote period referred to, in tho letter of Professor Eafn, they may have visited Massachusetts, and reported it by its true Indian name, and if they had visited this Island, it is reasonable to sup pose they would have caUed it by the name it was caUod by the native inhabitants, which was Acquethneck. It was not caUed Ehode Island until 1644, as appears from tho foUowing extracts from the Old Colony Eecords, ' at a General Court hold at Newport on the 15th day of the 1st month, 1644.' " ' It is ordered by this Court that ye island commonly caUed Acquethneck, shaU be from henceforth called ye Isle of Ehodes, or Ehode Island.' " There is no doubt that the Northmen discovered in the tenth century, tho eastern coast of this Continent, and visited that 178 history of RHODE ISLAND. part caUed by the Indian inhabitants, Massachusetts, but it ia doubtful if they visited at that period tho Island of Acquethneck, now Ehode Island. There does not appear from any history or tradition from our ancestors, that there was any tradition among the Indians of Acquethneck, ever having been visited by white men before the settlement of the country by our British ances tors. When the first white inhabitants settled on the EUzabeth Islands, there was a tradition among the Indians, that the Vine yard had been visited many ages before by a colony of white men, who came there in a vessel from the North, and remained there for a season, and returned to tho North in tho winter, with an intention of returning there again the next year, but never came back, and wore supposed to have been lost, and tho same tradition was rife among the Indians on tho main, and remains to this day. It is very probable that these were tho Northmen from the borders of the St. Lawrence, and that the Vineyard Island was the extent of their progress westward along the coast. From this circumstance, and from sinister motives, it has boon endeavored to be shown that tho Northmen visited this Island in the tenth or eleventh century, and called the island ' Vinelant,' &c., and tho Newport Euin has been endea vored to be palmed upon the world through tho Eoyal Society of Antiquarians at Copenhagen, as evidence of the fact of the visit of the Northmen, and the work of their hands.* but " Let Antiquarians say what they will, It is nothing but an Old Stone Mill. " One of THE Oldest Inhabitants." What better traditionary evidence than that of Gov. Arnold's grandson, Josiah Arnold, who died long since tho Eevolution ary war, and that of his great-grandson, Sanford Arnold, who has boon deceased but a few years, who both spoke of it as tho old Stone MiU, built by their ancestor Benedict Arnold, as has been heretofore stated, but disregarded ? Why then dispute its origin, and the use for which it was erected, except it be for interested and unholy purposes ? In 1784, the harbor with tho rivers, were all closed with ice, from Castie HiU to Providence ; so that people crossed there from the Island to the main. * The author of this imposition, as well as the report attributed to Scrobien, is sup posed lo be a foreigner, a few years since a resident of this town. THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM. 179 THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM. 1763. This year the Jewish Synagogue, in Newport, which was erected the year before, was dedicated to the God of Abra ham, with great pomp and magnificence, according to the cus tom of tho Hebrews. At this time tho town of Newport con tained upwards of sixty families of Jews; among them were many merchants of wealth and enterprise. Mr. Aaron Lopez was a man of eminent probity and benevolence, his bounties wore widely diffused, and not confined to creed and sect, and the people of Newport, notwithstanding the lapse of time, stUl con secrate his memory. Mr. Lopez was afterwards drowned in his carriage in Scott's Pond, a few miles north of Providence. Eev. Mr. Touro, married, in Newport, a sister of the late Moses Hays, of Boston, and left two sons and one daughter. Mr. Hays removed from Newport soon after the peace, taking with him his family. One of the sons was the late Abraham Touroj who died in Boston in 1822, leaving a large estate; by his wiU a fund of $10,000 was left for the support of the syna gogue and burial-place in Newport, and $5,000 for keeping Touro-stroet in repair, on which they front. This fund is under tho direction of tho Town Council of Newport, and the interest is judiciously applied for the purposes above-mentioned. The other son is Judah Touro, Esq., of New-Orleans, a gen tleman distinguished for his many acts of munificence. Ho went to New-Orleans previous to the cession of Louisiana, where in mercantile pursuits, he has acquired a princely estate, and is universaUy esteemed by the inhabitants of the city of New- Orleans. Such is the attachment of the Jews for Newport, and the sepulchre of their fathers, that their remains are brought hero for interment. A gentleman who settled in Newport, about twenty ydars since, and erected a tasteful mansion in Bellevuestreet, near the Jewish burial-ground, iu a conversation had with a per sonal friend of Mr. Judah Touro, suggested that it would be a commendable act on the part of Mr. Touro, were he to enclose the burial ground with a noble waU of granite, as the then present brick wall was in a decayed state, having been slightly 180 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANIf. built. He gave an assurance that he would address him on the subject, which ho accordingly did ; and Mr. Touro, with a liberality which has uniformly distinguished him, authorized his friend to apply to some eminent architect for a suitable plan. The work was commenced, and completed in 1842, and a more chaste and beautiful enclosure, with the ornamental gateway, ia not to be found in the country. The whole cost was $11,000. Tho architect was Isaiah Eogers, Esq., of Boston. A few years since, he gave $1000 to repair Eedwood Library, His adopted city has experienced his noble benefactions, irre spective of denominational distinctions, in which he has set an example worthy to bo imitated by Gentiles. Such an indivi dual is a blessing to society, and throws into the shade many, whose niggardly spirit renders them a burden to themselves and to the world at large. Abraham Eod. Eiviera, a highly respected Jew, was an importer of dry good's, in connection with other business. In early life Abraham was called "the honest man," which titie he merited as long as he lived. He was extensively engaged in commerce, and met with many losses ; and at that date there were no Insurance Companies, consequently, the risks in navi gation were very great. Although a man of wealth, frequent losses at sea, forced him to assign his property, which, when divided, canceUed but a part of his liabilities. As soon as the failure was known in England, the merchants with whom he had traded, offered him any- amount of dry goods ; and, that he might avail himself of their generous oflfer, took the- benefit of the Insolvent Act, clearing himself from old claims, and open-. ing a way to the renewal of business. He was prosperous, and at tho end of a few years, gave his old creditors a dinner party, placing, under tho plate of each guest a chock, for the amount due hiul, with interest. He died worth $120,000. Such was the honesty of the past. There is now in the Town-Clerk's office, the copy of a deed, (certified by WiUiam Coddington, Town-Ckrk, Oct I9th, 1677,) in book No. 3, page 1 1, of Land Evidences, of a certain lot of land, thirty feet square, sold by Nathaniel Dickons, to Mordecai CampannaU and Moses Packeckoe, for a burial-place for' th& Jews. This deed is dated February 28th, 1677, which shows that some of the descendants of Abraham found an asylum of THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM. 181 rest, from oppression and persecution, on this island of the sea, at an early period of the settiement It has been said that it was as early as 1657. How long prior to the purchase of the burial-ground, we have no accurate means of ascertaining. The first Jews who settied in Newport were of Dutch extraction, from Curraso, and were not possessed of tho wealth, inteUigonco, or enterprise, which so omiuently distinguished those who subsequently settied in this town, which, with tho smallnoss of their number, accounts for the lapse of time from the first Jewish settlement in Newport, to the erection of tho synagogue. It is not probable, however, that during all this time they maintained no regular form of public worship, and there is a tradition amongst the most ancient people of Newport, now liv ing, that from the earliest settlement here, public religious worship was regularly maintained in private houses. Between the years 1750-60, many famUios of wealth and distinction came to this country from Spain and Portugal, and settled in Newport, which contributed largely to the intelli gence and commercial prosperity of the town. The synagogue was thronged with worshippers, from its erection until the war commenced, and the scripture^ were publicly read, and the God of Abraham worshipped in the Hebrew language, in Newport, by more than three hundred of tho dispersed house of Israel, up to that time. About 1763, and long after, flourished the distinguished famUies of Lopez, Eiviera, Pollock, Levi, Hart, Soixas, and their late respected priest, Isaac Touro, The north side of what is now the Mall, was once covered with Jewish residences, which were destroyed by fire. The Eevolutionary war, so dis astrous to tho commercial interest and prosperity of Newport, induced tho greater part of them to leave tho town ; and after tho conclusion of the war, the remnant that was left gradually declined, until not au individual now remains. Moses Lopez, nephew of the celebrated Aaron Lopez, was the last resident Jew in Newport A few years previous to his death, he removed to New-York ; his remains were brought to Newport, and interred by tho side of his brother Jacob, in the burial- place of their fathers. Moses Lopez was a man of no common abilities ; he was an honorable merchant, deeply versed in 182 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. mathematics, and of uncommon mechanical skUl. He was pleasant and interesting in conversation, and an ingenious defender of his reUgious belief The Society of Jews, gene rally, who settled in this town, have left a reputation for integrity and uprightness, which should perpetuate their memory from generation to generation. After the long interval of sixty years, in which the synagogue had been closed, in the year 1850 it was thrown open again, and services were peribrmod on Saturday (the Jewish sabbath,) by an eminent Eabbi from New- York. It was an important era, and calculated to revive in the mind the great and impor tant events, which had taken place in the history of this dis tinguished people. Emery's Corner, at the south side of Bridge-street, was a general resort in olden time for young men, residing in that section of the town. Hence we meet with it very frequently in the old records of the town, as we do that of the Granary, or Brick-market, where tho inhabitants assembled, and still con tinue to assemble. Wo like to retain antique names, as they remind us of the past, and the inhabitants of Newport have been more tenacious than most places, of innovation. But the recent resort of strangers to Newport, has led to an attempt to remove tho ancient land-marks, which should not be counte nanced for a moment by the original inhabitants It is the remains of antiquity in Newport, which invests it with so much interest, and makes the spot more deeply interesting to the Antiquarian. Hog Hole, before the hand of modem vandalism despoiled it of its pristine beauty, was the scone of many a joyous festival. Purgatory, at Sachuest Beach, is invested with a high degree of romance, from tho traditionary account of two lovers, who mot at the brink of this dangerous chasm. The lady, to test the strength of his affections towards hor, as the condition of the nuptial celebration, required that he should leap across it Dangerous as was the experiment, ho quickly sprung; she caught tho skirt of his coat, which instantly rent, while he landed safe on the opposite side to the terror and dismay of the fair one. The Devil's foot-print is strongly impressed on the rocks, near to this chasm, with other singular marks, which has made it a place of interest to those visiting the island. THE REV. MARMADUKE BROWN. 183 It affords pleasure and delight to ramble amid those joyous scenes, and listen to the serial choristers warbling their orisons. The inhabitants of this charming retreat, seem the only unde- Ughted enjoyers of tho scene, because to them it exhibits no novelty, consequently but little allurement ; the eye of the stranger alone beholds it with admiration and wonder, and the heart of sensibility could alone fool tho exquisite sensation of delight its contemplation inspires. In the words of the poet, we would say : '' There's not a brook I have not leapt, Anear my native town — « Nor field nor hill where man has stept, I have not wandered down : And these as freshly haunt me still. And still their forms I know — The brook, the field, the high peaked hill, That charmed me long ago !" In 1772, the first equestrian performances on Ehode Island, and probably in America, took place in Newport. Tho name of the manager was Bates. Two of the guns of the sloop Tartar, were placed at tho foot of tho Parade, where thoy remained untU within a few years, when thoy wore removed, and placed in front of the fountain, at the end of the MaU. THE REV. MARMADUKE BROWN. As Newport has been the birthplace of many distinguished personages, as well as the residence of others who have occupied important positions in society, we have been induced to notice such parties, believing that it would prove highly interesting to the reader. In 1760, on the resignation of the Eev. Mr. PoUon, tho Eev. Marmaduke Brown, a native of Ireland, was unanimously chosen to officiate as Minister of Trinity Church, Newport, and was appointed a Missionary by the Home Society. Mr. Brown continued his connection with Trinity Church until his death, which took place on the 19th of March, 1771. 184 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. He left an only son, who, in 1795, caused a marble tablet, with a raised profile likeness of his father, to be erected on the walls of Trinity Church, in memory of his parents. It bears the following inscription : To the Memory of .The Eev. MAEMADUKE BEOWN, Formerly Rector of this Parish, A Man eminent for Talents, Learning, and Religion, Who departed this Life on the 19th of March, 1771, And of ANN, his Wife, A Lady of Uncommon Piety, and Suavity of Manner.=, Who died the 6th of January, 1767. This Monument was Erected by their Son, AETHUE BEOWN, Esq., Now Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, And Representative in Parliament for the same ; In Token of his Gratitude and Affection To the best and tendcrest of Parents, And his Respect and Love for a Congregation, Among whom, and for a Place where. He spent the Earliest and Happiest of His Days. Hen! Quanto minus est, Cum allis Versari, Quam tui Memisse. M.D.CCXCV. His above-mentioned son is tho subject of the following notice : Hon. Arthur Brown, LL. D.,was at an early age sent from Newport to tho care of a relative in Ireland, for education. He was a man gifted with extraordinary mental powers, which he improved by almost incessant study, and by an intercourse with the most able scholars and politicians of the day. He soon rose to eminence — was Senior Fellow, and Senior Proctor of Trinity CoUege, a Doctor of Civil Laws, King's Professor of Greek, &c., &c. For a length of time he held the Vicar- Generalship of the HON. ARBHUR BROWN, LL. D. 185 Diocese of Kildaro, and also practised in the courts, as an emi nent, though not a leading barrister. For many years no person in the University enjoyed greater popularity. They gave him their best and most bonorable gifts — thoy appointed him their representative in the National Legis lature, and the Irish House of Commons for many years listened with surprise and admiration, to his bold and powerful elo quence. On questions of great national importance. Dr. Brown could speak with surprising effect. With littie subjects ho seldom in terfered. If with tho opposition it was his desire or chance to associate — ^he supported all their leading measures — on the Place and Pension bills. Catholic Emancipation, the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus, &c., he brought all his talents into action. He was a strong advocate of Parliamentary reform, an enemy to the abuse of power, and always stood forward as tho cham pion of the people. ^ On tho great question of tho Union of Great Britain and Ire land, he took part with tho ministry, and his support and exam ple greatly contributed to that event. Shortly after tho Union, Dr. Brown was appointed Prime Sergeant, and it is supposed, had he survived, he would have obtained a situation on the bench. Beside various political pamphlets. Dr. Brown was the author of two volumes of miscoUaneous essays and dissertations, in which many questions of literature and criticism were ably discussed. These volumes are now out of print, which is the more to be regretted, as one of the essays was devoted to a pic ture of Colonial manners and habits, especially as exhibited by the society of Newpnrt, Ehode Island. In a note he referred to many of the families with whom he was intimate — the Brontons, Malboms, Eedwoods, &c. His great work, however, is that on tho Civil Law, which has passed through various editions, and is considered by the profession as a standard. This celebrated man died in Dublin, in the summer of 1805, of a dropsical complaint, leaving a large property, which ho acquired from his situations in the College, and his exertions as a lawyer. The late Baron Kinsale, of Ireland, was also a native of 186 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Newport. The foUowing notice of the Baron De Courcy, is taken from the Newport Mercury, 1832: " On the 1st of February last, died at Kinsale, the Eight Honorable Thomas Do Courcy, Lord Kinsale, Baron Do Courcy, and Eingrono. His lordship was Premier Baron of Ireland, and enjoyed the hereditary privilege of wearing his hat in the royal presence, granted to John De Courcy, Earl of Ulster, by King John, and lately exercised by Lord John De Courcy, at a court hold in DubUn Castie, by George IV., in 1821." We transcribe this obituary notice from a London paper of February 20th, 1832, because we of Ehode Island, feel a pecu liar interest with regard to this family, of which the present branch sprung from the town of Newport, Ehode Island. It was probably about the years 1720 and 1725, that the younger, and we presume the only brother of tho Baron of Kinsale, for some reasons of discontent, emigrated to North America, and selected Newport, Ehbde Island, as the place of his residence. William Eogers, D. D., Professor of EngUsh Oratory in the University of Pennsylvania, was born in Newport, Ehode Island, July 22d, 1751. A graduate of Brown University in 1769. He received his license to preach in 1771, and in May of the following year was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, Phila delphia, where he continued till tho commencement of the Eevo lution, in 1775, when he was appointed Chaplain of the Pennsyl- vanian forces, and not long after, of the Continental Army, and remained in the service tiU 1781. In 1 789, he was elected Professor of English Oratory in the CoUege of Philadelphia, and afterwards was appointed to the same office in the University of Pennsylvania, and held it till 1812, when ho resigned. His death took place April 7th, 1824, in tho 74th year of his age. He held a highly respectable rank in talents and learning, and was greatly esteemed for his ability and faithfulness as a preacher. His daughter, a very estimable lady, is the wife of WUUam Henry De Wolf, Esq., of Bristol, Ehode Island. THE AUCHMUTY FAMILY. 187 THE AUCHMUTY FAMILY. Eobert Auchmuty was the first of the American family of that name. He was the descendant of an ancient Scotch family, holding a barony in the north of that country. His father settled in England, early in the eighteenth century. Eobert came to this country and settled in Boston ; he was con sidered a profound lawyer, and possessed remarkable talents, shrewdness, and wit. Anecdotes of him have been handed down from generation to generation, to this day. Ho was greatly respected and beloved, both in pubUc and private life. His memory is held in high veneration by the bar in Massachusetts, and his opinions are still respected by the profession. Ho has many descendants still left there. He was Judge of Admiralty many years before his death. Eev. Samuel Auchmuty, son of the elder Eobert, was born in Boston, in 1725, graduated at Harvard University in 1742, and was taken by his father to England, where he was ordained a minister of the Episcopal Church, and was appointed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, an assistant minister of Trinity Church, New- York. He married in 1749, a daughter of Eobert Nichols, Governor of that Province in 1764. At the death of the Eoctor, he was appointed to succeed him, and took charge of all the churches in tho city, performing his arduous duties with faithfulness until the Eevolution. The chUdren of Eev. Dr. Auchmuty were, 1st, Mary Juliana, born 1750, married General Mulcastor, of the Eoyal Engineers, and loft two sons and two daughters : 2d, married, died young ; 3d, IsaboUa, born 1753, married a Mr. Burton, of Kent, in England, and left no children ; 4th, Eobert Nichols, bom in 1758, married Henrietta, daughter of Henry John Overing, of Newport, his second cousin. He died at Newport, Ehode Island, and was interred in Trinity churchyard, leaving eight chUdren, Samuel 0. Auchmuty, Harriot, who married Major HeUoman of the U. S. Army, a most accomplished gentieman and superior officer, Maria, widow of Capt. Wainwright of the Marine Corps, Eobert, Eichard of the U. S. Navy, Joanna, IsaboUa, and John of the U. S. Navy. 188 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Samuel, afterwards Sir Samuel, bom 1758, graduated at Columbia College, served in England, under Sir Ealph Aber- crombie, was a Brigadier- General, and K C. B., in 1807, and couimanded the expedition against Montevideo, which ho took. Ho was promoted to bo Lieutenant-Goneral, received tho thanks of Parliament and a service of plate. He was afterwards en trusted %vith a very importaut command in tho Channel, at the time of Napoleon's threatened invasion ; was the Governor of Madras, and commander of an expedition against the Island of Java, which he took, in 1800. On returning to England, he again received the thanks of Parliament, and a service of plate from the East India Company. Ho retired for a while to his estate in Kent, which ho loft on being appointed commander of the forces in Ireland, where he died, August Uth, 1822. The inscription on his tomb-stone is : Sacred to the Memory of THE RIGHT HON. SIR SAMUEL AUCHMUTY, G. C. B. Of His Majesty's Seventy-eight of Foot, who died on the 11th of August, aged sixty- four, while commanding his Majesty's forces in Ireland. He waa a brave, experienced, and successful of&cer, and victorious whenever he had the command. He twice received the thanks of Parliament for his services. The capture of Montevideo, in South America, and the Island of Java, in the East Indies, added both to his fame and fortune. THIS MONUMENT WAS EBECTED BY HIS BELATIVES, AS A THIBOTE TO HIS PRIVATE AS WELL AS HIS PUBLIC WOHTH. He left in his will a princely fortune to tho children of his brother, Eobert Nichols Auchmuty, of Newport, Ehode Island. We have dwelt thus long on the history of this family, from the fact of their intimate connection with Newport. Of the two surviving children of Eobert N. Auchmuty, Esq., Maria and Joanna, it is no flattery to speak of them in the highest terms, as iUustrating tho female attractions of the past Maria was taU, and of exquisite proportions, her complexion beautifully transparent, the roseate bloom of health diffused its beauties on her cheek, and the benignant softness that beamed from her blue eye, gave her tho appearance of a celestial divinity. Col. George THE MINTURN FAMILY. 1S9 Gibbs expressed his admiration of her charms, on witnessing her appearance at the ball-room in Newport, with the splendid head-dress on, the gift of Sir Samuel, K. C. B. Her sister Joanna, was equally as graceful and captivating in form and man ners. Her complexion clear, hor tooth beautifully white and regular, a sweet expression played around her coral lips, her eyes were expressive, hor voice exquisitely melodious, and her genius lively and expanded. In the science of music she took delight, and touched the harpsicord to perfection. In the dance she was the sprightly serial of the scone, when hor inimitable attitude and grace captivated every beholder. Those who recoUect Monsieur Carpentier's dancing-room, which was graced with the elite and fashion of Newport, wiU be ready to respond to the descriptionhere given of this lovely person. And now that tho season of youth and gayety has passed away, her mind has been profitably and usefully employed in the cul tivation of tho morals of tho nieces and nephews of her widowed sister. From a gentleman of tho first rank in the United States Army, we have received the most flattering account of her amiable qualities, which we could justly appreciate, from a long acquaintance with her and her family. " When heaven's harbinger shall claim his prize, And waft her purest soul to purer skies, Then shall recording angels trace her fame, And pity weep when memory breathes her name.' THE MINTURN FAMILY. The ancestor of the Minturn family in this country, was a native of England, and was one of the early settiers of Narra gansett. Jonas Minturn married Penelope Brown, of South Kingston, and died on his own farm in Narragansett. He loft three chUdron, William, Hannah, and John, the latter of whom died at an early ago. Hannah remained unmarried, and died at an advanced age, in Newport. WilUam early exhibited that energy and decision of character, which was so conspicuous dur ing his Ufe. Being of an enterprising disposition, and wishing 190 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. to see more of the world than his circumstances permitted, he made several voyages from Newport, in a ship of which ho soon became mate ; during one of these voyages to a port in Eng land, the vessel in which he sailed had the misfortune to be cap tured and taken into France, England being at that time at war with that country. Tho voyage was thus in danger of being broken up, threaten ing great loss to those who were concerned in its success. The French commander offered to accept a ransom for the vessel, which though ardently desired by the American captain, was doomed by him to be entirely out of his power to accompUsh at this juncture. Mr. Minturn, seeing how -vitally important was the measure, presented himself before the master of the ship : " Captain," said he, " land me on the coast of England — I will go to London ; I am certain that I can effect this desirable re sult to a commercial house in that city." It was done ; dressed as he was, in his sailor's clothes, ho proceeded on foot to London, found out the firm he was in search of, and by his inteUigence and perseverance, was able to convince them of the importance and feasibUity of the object. He then re-crossed the channel, paid the ransom money, and arrived safely with the vessel at Newport. In testimony of tho high opinion which tho owners of the ship entertained towards him, by this signal service, he was imme diately made captain of the same vessel ; and so fortunate was he, that he was soon able to become himself a shipowner, and to establish himself at Newport, where, becoming a successful mer chant, he was greatly distinguished for benevolence and public "spirit Mr. Minturn removed from Newport to Hudson, in 1788, but finding, however, the branch of mercantile business in which he was more especially engaged, that of commerce and navigation, could bo prosecuted with more success at a point less remote from the sea, ho concluded upon a change of loca tion, and finally fixed upon the city of Now- York, as possessing those superior commercial advantages which have since been accredited to it by the world. Hither he removed in 1791, con tinuing his successful career, and roaUzing all the advantages which he had anticipated from this new abode. Having amassed a large estate for the times in which he lived, he retired from THE MINTURN FAMILY. 191 the active duties of commercial life, enjoying the respect, the esteem, and affection of his fellow-citizens. In 1799, Mr. Minturn's health so rapidly declined, that he ardently longed to breathe once more his native air ; confidently beUeving that it would bring with it healing on its wings. He was also anxious to consult with Dr. Center, of Newport, the physician of his early Ufe. In this desire ho was warmly en couraged by his friend and former partner in business, George Gibbs, Esq., who kindly procured a commodious house for his reception ; but his cherished hopes, and those of his attached family, wore destined to be soon destroyed. His disease in creased in severity, and he died in August of that year, univer sally lamented. Justice, firmness, and charity, were tho distin guishing traits of his character. WUUam Minturn married Penelope, daughter of Benjamin Greene ; she was a near relative of Major Nathaniel Greene, of the Eevolution, with whom she spent a considerable part of her early life, at Patawamut. After her husband's decease, Mrs. Minturn returned to New- York, where she resided till her death, in 1821 ; dying in that humility and faith which her Christian life had so pre-eminently exemplified. WUUam Minturn left ton children ; 1st, Penelope, married to John T. Champlain ; 2d, Benjamin Greene, married to Mary, daughter of Eobert Bowne ; 3d, Hannah, who died in 1817; 4th, WUUam, also married to a daughter of Eobert Bowne ; 5th, Jonas, married to Esther, daughter of William T. Eobin son ; 6th, Mary, married to Henry Post ; 7th, Deborah, msrried to Eobert Abbot, jun. ; 8th, Nathaniel G., married to Lydia, daughter of Samuel Coates, of PhUadelphia ; 9th, Niobe, who resides in New- York ; and 10th, John, who in 1817, removed to New-Orleans — he married Lydia, daughter of James Clements, of PhUadelphia. The descendants of WilUam Minturn have num bered one hundred and forty-six persons. Some of his descend ants are now extensive merchants in New- York. 192 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. SIR CHARLES WAGER. " Newport, 2 Mo. 1, 1853. " The foUowing is an extract from a letter I received from Eowland T. Eobinson, dated Forrisburgh, Vermont, 1 Mo. 22d, 1848, and, I presume, will convoy the information you request " Your friend, « T. E. Hazard. " To Edward Peterson. " ' I have obtained the following genealogical information from my father, whose recollections are clear on tho matter ; and I also find they are confirmed by " W. Updike's History," page 249. " ' WilUam Hazard, the father of Lydia Hazard, who married John Field, was the son of Caleb Hazard. WilUam had two brothers. Dr. Eobert, and Caleb. " ' Caleb Hazard, the father of WiUiam, married Abigail Gardiner, daughter of WilUam Gardiner ; she was the sister of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, of Boston. " ' After Caleb Hazard's death, his widow, AbigaU, married Wm. Eobinson, called Governor Eobinson, who was my great grandfather. They had six sons and two. daughters, Chris topher, WUUam, Thomas (my grandfather), Sylvester, James, and John, ^ho daughters were Mary, who married a Dockray, and AbigaU. " ' Phoebe HuU, who married William Hazard, was daughter of Captain Hull, who brought up Admiral Wager, of the British navy ; Charles Wager was taken by Capt. John Hull, when a poor boy, from Newport, and trained to the sea. In conse quence of an advertisement which appeared in the public papers, Capt. HuU took Wager to England, and assisted him in obtain ing a large estate, and he became an Admiral. " ' I have often hoard my father relate the following anec dote, which may bo somewhat amusing to thy New- York cor respondent. Capt. Hull was a plain Friend, and in the pursuit of his calling, he was at one time in some part of the West Indies, and learning that his ward, now Admiral Wager, was lying in the same port, ho took his long boat, and went on board Ilio Admiral's ship. He enquired for the Admiral, stating he SIR CHARLES WAGER. 193 wished to see him. His appearance being rough, he was met by a sprig of the navy, and denied admittance ; but watching his opportunity, he stepped into the cabin, knowing he would be safe when once recognized, which proved to be tho case. He was received with great kindness by the Admiral, greatly to tho confusion of tho officer who had denied him an audience. An intimacy was long afterwards maintained, and tho Admiral used to make an annual demonstration of his remembrance of his old master, by sending him a quarter-cask of wine.' " " New- York, March 2, 1853. " Dear Sir, " Hearing you were about publishing a history of Newport, and the events of the past, so highly important and interesting, connected with its early settlement, I beg leave to hand you an anecdote or two of the celebrated Admiral, Sir Charles Wager, who was bound apprentice to a Quaker sea captain, of tho name of John HuU, of Newport It was of Capt HuU that Sir Charles first learned his skill as a captain, and hj whom he was brought up in the straight ways of industry, perseverance, and honesty, which appear to have distinguished him through life. " ' Your sincere friend and servant, " Oliver Hull. " Mr. Peterson. " It is perhaps not generally known, even by the reading pubUc, that the celebrated Admiral Wager, of the British navy, when a boy, was bound apprentice to a Quaker, of the name of John HuU, who sailed a vessel between Newport, (Ehode Island,) and London ; and in whose service he probably learned the rudiments of that nautical skiU, as woU as that upright honor and integrity, for which he is so much lauded by his biographer. The circumstance of running his master's .vessel over a privateer, first recommended him to an advantageous place in the British navy. The facts of this encounter, as near as I can gather them, are those : the privateer was a smaU schooner, fuU of men, and was about boarding tho ship of Capt. HuH, whose reUgious scruples prevented him from taking any measures of a hostile nature. After much persuasion from 194 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. young Wager, tho peaceable captain retired to his cabin, and gave the command of his ship to his apprentice. His anxiety, however, induced him to look out from tho companion way, and occasionally give directions to the boy, who, he perceived, designed to run over the privateer, saying to him, ' Charles, if thee intends to run over that schooner, thou must put the helm a Uttle more to the starboard.' Tho ship passed directly over the schooner, which instantly sunk, with every soul on board. " On one occasion, when the Admiral was in Newport, Capt. Hull caUed at the coffee-house to see his former apprentice, and seeing a Lieutenant there, asked him, 'Where is Charles ?' at which tho Lieutenant took umbrage, and threatened to chas tise the old Quaker for his insolence, in not speaking more respectfully of his Admiral. When Wager heard of it, he took occasion to reprove the Lieutenant before Capt. Hull, saying, ' Mr. Hull, sir, is my honored master.' " The certificate of marriage of John Hull, which is of parch ment, among the witnesses, bears the signature of the mother of Admiral Wager, thus, ' Prudence Wager.' " John Hull died at Conanicut, on the 1st day of December, 1732, aged seventy-eight years. ^ " The following inscription is on the monument, erected to the memory of Admiral Wager, in Westminster Abbey, Lon don, England : " ' To the Memory of Sir CHAELES WAGEE, Knt., Admiral of the White, First Commissioner of the Admiralty, and A Privy Councillor; A man of great natural talents, improved by Industry, and long Experience ; Who bore the highest commands, and passed through the greatest Employments, With Credit to himself, and Honor to his Country. ' He was in his Private Life, Humane, Temperate, Just, and Bountiful ; In Public Station, Prudent, Wise, and Honest ; Easy of access to all j steady and resolute in his conduct ; So remarkably happy in his presence of mind, that no danger Ever discomposed him. Esteemed and favored by his King, Beloved and honored by hia Country. He died the Twenty-fourth of May, 1743 Aged 79 years. EVENTS OF THE REVOLUTION. 195 EVENTS OF THE REVOLUTION- Wo have been pleasantly employed in presenting to the mind of the reader, tho growih and prosperity of Newport, with the highly cultivated state of manners, which characterized her early history. And it would afford unspeakable gratifica tion, could we continue the prosecution of a theme, so deeply interesting to the human mind ; but every tiling earthly is mutable, and subject to change, Tho prosperous to-day, may be in adversity to-morrow ; so with States and Empires, — but the events so painful in themselves, are not without their uses, for out of the discordant materials good will ultimately arise. No town in the British Colonies flourished to the degree of Newport, and while her canvass whitened every sea, and the products of every climo came freighted to her shores, it did not render her supremely selfish, as is too apt to bo the case, but her influence was directed to the cultivation of the arts and sciences, which rendered her highly distinguished. The society of Newport was poUshed and refined ; this was owing in a groat degree to the intimate relationship which subsisted between thom and the mother countiy. The officers under the Crown were educated gentlemen, and this exerted a powerful influence on the minds of the inhabitants, and but for the Eevolution, no one could possibly have predicted tho extent of prosperity to which Newport would have arrived. But the oppression of the British ParUament towards her Colonies became insupportable, until forbearance ceased to be a virtue. Every remonstrance on the part of the Colonists, only tended the more highly to exasperate Great Britain towards them. Now -it was never the intention of the Colonies to sunder the ties which so closely linked them to the mother country, but simply to obtain a redress of grievances. They had stood by England in storm as weU as sunshina When she had been engaged in conflict with other nations, the Colonies had fur nished their quota of men and money to overcome her enemies. This loyalty on the part of the Colonies, could never have been alienated, but for the continual aggressions on the part of the Crown, disregarding the most solemn appeals, and setting at defiance every remonstrance made of the injustice of their 196 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, policy towards the Colonies. They wore aware of their groat inferiority, to attempt to cope with so gigantic a power as that of Great Britain, celebrated for her military and naval prowess, with her immense resources ; hence any measure whieh wisdom and prudence could dictate to effect a reconciliation was resorted to, but without effect. Great Britain was determined to overawe hor Colonies, to submit to her arbitrary and despotic measures. But tho principle of liberty was lodged- deep in the hearts of ths Colonists, and they eould not tamely acquiesce in British misrule and oppression. The first act of the British Parliament to tax the Colonies, passed that body in- September, 1 764 ; the avowed object of which was to raise a revenue for the better protection of his Majesty's Colonies in New England, by a duty paid the British Crown, on certain articles of commerce sold in the Colonies. This was to test the fidelity of their subjects, and to open the way for bolder developments. Accordingly, by the next spring, tho famous, or rather iN-famous Stamp Act, passed both Houses of Parliament. This Act required that all deeds, notes, bonds, &c., in the Colonies, should be nuH and void, unless executed on stamp paper, for which a duty must be paid tho Crown, The former Act the Colonies could not approve, because it was arbitrary and unjust, levying a tax without their consent, not being repre sented in that body. But such waa their attachment to the honor of their fathers, that they acquiesced in the measure, however oppressive and unjust. On the subject of the right of the British Parliament to tax the Colonies, it was asserted, in the Mother Country, " to be essential to the unity, and of course prosperity,, of the Empire, that the British ParUament should have right of taxation over every part of the Eoyal dominions.'' In the Colonies if was contended, " that taxation and representation were inseparable, and that thoy could Bot be safe, if their property might be taken from them without their consent."' This claim of the right of taxation on the one side, and the denial of it on the other, was tho very hinge on which the Eevolution. turned. Mr. Pitt, tho invariable friend of tho Colonies, deUvered his famous speech on American Liberty, in which ho declared it to- be his opinion, that the kingdom has- no right to tax the; EVENTS PRtOR TO THE REVOLUTION. 197 Colonies ; that he rejoiced that they had resisted, and he hoped that they would resist to the last drop of their blood." These sentiments proved Mr. Pitt to have been a man of pj-inciple, and tho sworn enemy to oppression. When this bill was brought in, the Ministers, and particu larly Charles Townshild, exclaimed : " These Americans, our own children, planted by our care, nourished by o-ur indulgence, &c., will they now turn their backs upon us, and grudge to contribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy load which overwhelms us ?" Col. Barre caught the words, and with a vehemenoy becom ing a soldier, rose and said : " Planted by your care I No 1 Your oppression planted them in America ! Thoy fled from your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, where they were exposed to almost all tho hardships to which human nature is Uable ; and ainoag others, to the savage cruelty of the enensy of the country — a people the most subtle, and I take upon me to say, the most truly ter rible of aay people that ever inhabited any pai'tof God's earth. And yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, they met all these hardships with pleasure, compared with those thej' Gufl'ered in their own country, from the han-ds of those that should have been their friends." The night after this Act passed. Dr. Franklin, who was then in London, wrote to Charles Thompson, afterwards Secretary of the Continental CoDgress : " Tho sun of liberty is set ; the Americans must light the lam.ps of industry and economy." To which Mr. Thompson answered : " Be assured, we shall light torches, quite of another sort." Thus predicting the convulsions which were about to follow. On the arrival of the news of the Stamp Act, in A.me^ica^, a general indignation spread through the country, and resolutions were passed against the Act, by most of the Colonial Assem blies. It will not be necessary., in a history Uke this, to go into a recapitulation of aU the preliminary stops which occurred, before actual hostilities commenced ; but merely to show that a cause existed, of vital importance to tho interest of the Colonies, why .they should oppose British aggressions. They could not con scientiously sucaumb to the unjust laws, attempted to be exei"- 198 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. cisod over them bj' a foreign power, without fearlessly showing a spirit of resistance toward such high-handed measures. The spirit of liberty which burnt brightly on the altar of the heart, could not tamely brook such outrages, without showing that in dependence of character which had invariably characterized their history. No people had greater cause to fear a rupture between the Colonies and Great Britain, than those of Newport. Hor com mercial prosperity was identified with her union with the mother country. Her exposed situation was fraught with imminent peril, and without the means of defence, she. must be rendered desolate ; but no selfish consideration could for a moment deter her from embarking in tho glorious struggle for liberty and in dependence. They never flinched, as we shall have occasion to notice as we proceed to show the events of the American Eevo lution. Some have been heard to say, that the causes which brought about the struggle, were not of sufficient magnitude to have involved the natiou in all the horrors of war. But such reasoning is highly preposterous and absurd. Had tho Colonies tamely submitted to the first attempt of aggression, it would have been followed up, and like Eehoboam, they would have " put men to the yoke," and attempted to chastise us with " scorpions." Had no resistance boon made to British misrule, the condition of this Western Continent would have been equally as distressing as that of England, where the many would have been the slaves of the few ; and those who opposed the action ©f the Colonies, and cast in their influence on tho side of tyranny, wore unworthy of the name of freemen., and their names have boon justly handed down as traitors to their country, and the stigma of reproach has rested upon them. Associations were formed, and resolutions were passed, into the spirit of which, t'hs female sex entered with patriotic ardor, aot to import or use goods imported from Great Britain, untU this obnoxious and oppressive Act be repealed. So universal and determined were the Colonies in their opposition to this Act, that Parliament had no alternative but to repeal it. This, however, was foUowed by another infamous Act, which struck at the last hope of freedom, and assumed tho right aud power, " in aU cases whatsoever, to bind the Colonies." Accordingly, a new tax was laid on glass, paper, tea, &c., &c. This, in addi- EVENTS PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION. 199 tion with other acts equaUy arbitrary and oppressive, kindled up anew the spirit of opposition to tho British ministry, which had in some degree subsided on the repeal of the Stamp Act On the meeting of Parliament in February, 1769, both Houses of that body, in an address to the King, recommended that tho Eoyal Governor of Massachusetts, be directed to notice all such as manifested a spirit of disloyalty to His Majesty's edicts, that they might be sent to England and tried as tij&itors. Such intolerance and oppression could not any longer bo en dured, it would have evinced a weak and pusUanimous spirit, unbecoming freemen, and they came forward in their majesty, ¦ and on tho altar of liberty pledged their lives, their fortunes,, and sacred honor, in defence of the Colonies. Tho first overt act in the great drama which separated the Colonies from Great Britain, and which finaUy resulted in the American Independence, although claimed by, and awarded to others, was made at Newport, in 1769, in tho destruction of his Britannic Majesty's armed sloop. Liberty. And when it is con sidered that tho principle of Uberty had been more generally diffused among tho inhabitants of the Island, it should be no surprise that thoy wore the first to strike tho blow in the cause of freedom. And however unwiUing other sections of the coun try may bo to award to them tho praise, we shall claim it as an act of justice of which thoy are deserving. The sloop was fitted out by the King's officers at Boston, to enforce the revenue laws on the inhabitants of this Colony ; and were directed to examine and detain all vessels suspected of evading or violating these laws. Two vessels, a sloop and a brig, belonging to Connecticut, had been seized and brought into Newport A few days subsequently, the captain of the brig- went on board his vessel, when on inquiring for his wearing apparel, he was informed they had been removed on board of His Majesty's sloop Liberty. Missing also his sword, he mtide inquiry for that, when he was told that a man belonging to the Liberty was lying on it in tho cabin. As he descended tho cabin, he was met with a volley of savage and cowardly oaths. He seized his sword, which tho men of the Liberty en deavored in vain to wrest from his hands, sprang into his boat with two of his men, and made for the shore ; on which the ofii- cer of tho Liberty ordered his men to fire on the captain of the brig, and a musket and brace of pistols wore fired at the boat. 200 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. This unprovoked attack upon the life of Captain Packwood, so enraged the populace of Newport, that the following evening a large number of citizens met Captain Eeid, of the sloop Liberty, on tho Long Wharf, and demanded that the man should be sent on shore, who fired on Captain Packwood. Ac cordingly, a man was sent for, but thoy assorted he was not the man, and another, and another, until all tho men on board, ex cept tho mate, were on shore. A number then went on board tho Liberty and cut away hor cables, when she drifted over to a wharf on the Point, where she grounded. Here they cut away hor mast, and threw overboard" all her armament and stores of war, scuttled hor, and loft her to the mercy of the elements. Her boats were dragged by the insulted and enthusiastic multitude, up the Long Wharf, thence up the Parade, through Broad-street, 'at the head of which, on the Com- mqn, they were burned. Tradition says, that owing to the keel of the boats being shod with iron, such was the velocity of their locomotion, as they passed up the Parade, that a stream of fire was loft in tho rear of several feet in length. Tho fate of His Majesty's sloop Liberty, may be learned from the Newport Mercury, July 31st, of that year: " Last Saturday the sloop Liberty was floated by a high tide, and drifted over to Goat Island, and is grounded at the north end, near the place where the pirates wore buried. What this prognosticates we leave to the determination of astrologers." August 7th, the same paper observes : " Last Monday evening, just after tho storm of rain, haU, and lightning, tho sloop Liberty, which wo mentioned in our last as having drifted to Goat Island, was discovered to be on fire, and continued burning several days, until almost entirely consumed." This was the first motion given to the Eevolutionary baU, which continued to roll until independence was acquired by tho Colonies. Tho Gasper was destroyed three years after, and tho people of Boston destroyed tho cargo of tea, in 1773. These popular resistances to British oppression was taking the bull by tho horns, and showed plainly what would be tho final result in the great struggle. ' In consequence of the associations and resolutions of the Colo nies to suspend the importation and use of tea, a vast quantity of EVENTS PRIO:!. TO THE REVOLUTION. 201 nearly twenty mUUon pounds, accumulated on the hands of the East India Company, when ParUament granted them pormis sion to export tho same to any part of the world, free from duty. Confident that under those circumstances, thoy should find a ready market in America, thoy shipped largo quantities to the Colonies. But it was too late. The resolutions of the Ameri cans were fixed, and the market for tea was closed. That des tined for Boston was consigned to the friends and relatives of the Eoyal Governor ; but the populace was so enraged, that in stead of its being landed on the wharf, it was thrown into tho sea as an oblation to " tho watery god." On tho first intolUgenoe of this in England, the Boston Port BiU was passed by the British Parliament, by which its com merce was entirely destroyed, and many of its inhabitants re duced to the greatest distress. Expressions of sympathy, and resolutions of united resistance to those arbitrary and unjust measures of tho British throne, were forwarded from every part of the country, to the suffering inhabitants of Boston. The people of Newport, in Town Meeting, Jan. 12, 1774, passed the following resolutions : " Whereas, The East India Company, notwithstanding the resolutions of the Colonies not to import tea while it remains subject to a duty in America, have attempted to force largo quantities thereof, into some of our sister Colonies, without their consent, in order to be sold in this country ; and Whereas, they may attempt to introduce it into this Colony, we, the inhabi tants of Newport, legally convened in Town Meeting, do firmly resolve : " 1. That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen ; that there can be no property in that which another can, of right, take from them without their consent ; that the claim of Pariiamont to tax America, is a claim of right to levy contributions upon us at their pleasure. " 2. That the duty imposed by Pariiamont on tea, is taxing the Americans, or levying contributions on thom, without their consent. " 3. That a virtuous and inflexible opposition to the minis terial plan of governing America, is absolutely necessary, to preserve even tho shadow of liberty,— and is a duty which every 202 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. freeman in America owes to his country, to himself, and to his posterity. " 4. That the resolution lately entered into by the East-India Company, to send out their tea to America, subject to the pay ment of a duty on being landed hero, is an open attempt to force tho ministerial plan, and a violent attack upon tho liberties of the Americans. " 5. That it is the duty of every American to oppose this attempt. That whoever shaU, directly or indirectly, counte nance this attempt, or in any wise aid or abet in unloading, receiving, or vending the tea sent out by the East-India Com pany, or by any other person, while it remains subject to the payment of a duty in America, is an enemy to his country." At a subsequent Town Meeting, they ^passed the following expression of sympathy, for the suffering inhabitants of Boston : " Eosolvod, — That wo have the deepest sense of the injuries done the town of Boston, by the Act of Parliament lately passed, for putting an end to their trade, and destroying their port : And that wo consider this attack upon thom, as utterly subversive of American liberty ; for the same power may, at pleasure, destroy the trade, and shut up tho ports of every other Colony, so that there will be a total end of all prosperity. " Eosolvod, — That we will heartily unite with the other Colonies, in aU reasonable and proper measures to procure the establishment of the rights of the Colonies ; and particularly in case tho other Colonies shall, upon this most alarming occa sion, put a stop to their trade with Great Britain and tho West Indies, wo will heartily join with them' in the measure." An exciting and animated paper was circulated in Newport, with this motto, " Join or Die." The state of Boston was represented as a regular siege, and this was a direct and hostile invasion of aU the Colonies. " The Generals of despotism," it says, " are now drawing the Unes of circumvaUatiou around our bulwarks of liberty, and notliing but unity, resolution, and persevoranco, can save ourselves and posterity, from what is worse than death, slavery.'' In 1769, tho manifestation of liberty in Newport, exceeded that of many places, which laid claifn to great patriotism. ADMIRAL WALLACE IN NEWPORT. 203 The country were resolved, with the Virginia orator, on « Uberty or death." The boldness of Patrick Henry, and the great influence which he exerted, caused him to be presented to the British Government in a bill of attainder. His name, with that of Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Eandolph, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and several others, wore on the black Ust, and had the Colonies not succeeded, thoy would undoubtedly have boon hung on the gibbet, as tho most promi nent rebels. At this day wo find a class of apologists for Great Britain, who contend, that hor feelings towards America is purely pacific, and disposed to rejoice at our prosperity. Such faUa- cious reasoning will never be countenanced by the patriot who has learnt experience by the past. The mind has evidently deteriorated under the Ught and culture of science ; it has lost its elasticity and force, by being cradled in the lap of ease, secure from the rude storms which spent its fury against tho veterans of the Eevolution, whose towering heads received the shock undismayed. They wore men of iron frame, and giant intellect, and not to be diverted from their purpose by threats or flattery. The harbor of Newport was occupied by his Majesty's ships, for several years previous to actual hostilities, for the purpose of enforcing the revenue laws, and sustaining the authority of the King over his rebolUous subjects. But after the destruc tion of the sloop Liberty, in the harbor of Newport, afld as the tho hostili1;y of the Colonies to the acts of tho British ministry, began manfully to develope itself, their number was increased until a whole squadron of ships of war, under the command of Admiral Wallace, were stationed in the bay, to watch over his Majesty's subjects in Ehode Island. This Admiral, (Wallace,) was a most miserable poltroon, and incurred the hatred of the people of the island, for his mean and despicable acts. On the 19th of April, 1775, the dark elements of strife, which had been so long gathering, portentous of the storm of blood and carnage, burst upon the Colonies in the battle of Lexing ton, where eight Americans wore shot by the wanton cruelty of the British commander. Major Pitcaim, without the least provocation. This fired the Americans with indignation, and the battie of Bunker Hill, and the surrender of Ticonderoga to 204 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. the American arms, under the command of Col. Ethan AUen, followed each other in quick succession. Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain, was the key to the northern entrance into Canada, and was under the command of La Place, an old friend of Allen's. Colonel Ethan Allen, with only eighty-three men, approached the fortress in the grey of the morning, being conducted by a boy whom ho met in the neigh borhood, to the door of I^a Place's bed-chamber, who, at the moment, appeared half dressed, and demanded the cause of the tumult 'The rough and well-known voice of Col. AUen bade him surrender the fort. " By what authority do you make the demand ?" asked La Place. " By the Groat Jehovah, and the Continental Congress," thundered Allen. The commander found it useless to parley, and at once surrendered. They secured one hundred and twenty brass cannon, twenty- four pounders, several howitzers, balls, bombs, and ammunition. A party was immediately sent to sieze Crown- Point, which was easily effected, and more than a hundred pieces of artillery wore secured. Such were the master spirits which achieved our glorious Independence. *' Long years have pass'd away, and all dismantled and alone, Thou standest there, thy blacken'd walls with weeds and grass o'ergTown; Amid thy trenched bound, which once the clang of war could wake. Is heard no sound, save insects' hum, or bugle's from the lake," A REGIMENT RAISED. In May, of this year, a regiment was raised in tho county of Newport, commanded by Col. Church, of Little Comptpn. Newport raised three companies of sixty men each, commanded by John Topham, William Tow, and Ebenezer Flagg. One company was raised in Portsmouth, commanded by Jonathan Browning. This regiment marched to Boston, and joined the American army at that place, during this and the following month, when this island was guarded by the mUitia and minute- men. THE MINUTE-MEN, 205 Sept— Admiral Wallace, who commande'd the British fleet in the harbor at this time, exciting the suspicions of the inhabi tants, that he intended to remove from the south part of the Island (called the Neck) a quantity of stock, several persons during the night went down, and brought off about fifty head of cattie, and one thousand sheep. A few days after this, Wal lace removed some stock from the two lower farms on the Island, where it was supposed they had boon coUectod for sup plying his Majesty's troops at Boston. But tho arrival of throe hundred minute-men, who marched to the place and drove off the remaining cattle, prevented any more from being roniovod by the enemy. But this so enraged the British lion, that he threatened destruction to everything around him, both by sea and land. He laid the town under contribution to supply the fleet with provisions, and urged his rigorous demands by cut ting off all supplies of fuel and provisions from tho main, and by continued threats' of cannonading the town. The menacing attitude of Wallace against the place, threw the inhabitants into the greatest agitation and distress, and about one-half of the inhabitants "left tho town, and many the Island. It is stated that " Wallace would place lanterns in the shrouds of tho ship ping, as tho signal for firing on the town," which so alarmed and terrified the female portion of the inhabitants, that many died through fright. It cannot well bo conceived, at this late period, the sufferings which were endured by tho inhabitants of New port And it has been said that many who sought shelter on the main did not improve their condition, owing to the want of ihe friend in the pocket. Nearly all the principal merchants left, with their families and effects. A treaty was finally concluded between Wallace and the town of Newport, by consent of the State government, and concurrence of the Continental Congress, then in session ; who unanimously recommended that, in the present exigency, New port should supply the fleet with beer and fresh provisions, as usual, and also the removal of the troops from the town. Such being the condition of the treaty, WaUace agreed to remove his restrictions. Many wore of the opinion that WaUace dared not burn the town, and that his only object was to awe the inhabitants into a compliance with his demands. But there was no o\hev alter- 206 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. native in the then present position of affairs, but to acquiesce in his requirements. On the 7th of October, he saUed up the river to Bristol, where he demanded throe hundred sheep in sacrifice to his sacred Majesty, King George III. But the in habitants of that town, not being satisfied of the divine right of his Majesty to make the demand, refused the sacrifice. I'hat evening, about eight o'clock, Wallace commenced a heavy cannonading of the town, and Governor Bradford's house, with seventeen others, was burnt ; also tho Episcopal church, and Congregational meeting-house. Tho inhabitants wore plun dered of everything valuable they could lay their hands on. " The females, even, had their clothes taken, aU that were deem ed of sufficient value to carry away, and their rings forced from their fingers." Nothing could surpass the consternation of Bristol, when surprised by tho entrance of tho British. Whether they did not expect their return at all, or whether they expected them to reembark at Papoose Squaw Neck, is not known ; but they seemed to be taken by surprise, and women and children were flying in every direction. From Bristol, they proceeded to Warren, burning a windmiU on their way, and plundering and destroying at every step. Wallace captured all American vessels that came into port, and sent thfem to Boston with their crews, and many of them never returned. About the last of November he saUed out of the harbor, passed over to Connanicut, landing about two hun dred marines, and burnt aU tho buUdings at and in the neighbor hood of the ferry. This wanton outrage in the destruction of property, was aggravated by the death of one of tho inhabi tants, a Mr. Martin, grandfather of T. Prescott HaU, Esq., the owner of the Malborn garden seat, who was shot while stand ing at his own door. Ho was a loyalist, and it was supposed to have boon done through mistake. It is a weU known fact in the history of those times, that Ut tle was effected by tho blockading squadron of WaUace, except keeping the inhabitants in constant alarm, by threats and petty depredations on tho adjacent islands and neighborhoods. He effected the landing of throe hundred troops on Prudence Island, and laid in ruins every building, with their contents. One of the inhabitants of the island was shot by a British sol- THE WANTON FAMILY. 207 dier, in attempting to escape. Mr. Pierce, the father of the late Hon. Dexter T. Pierce, received a letter from Governor Wan ton, of Newport, whose tenant he was, informing him the fleet would appear off Prudence next day, and , that ho would be able to dispose of his stock at good prices. But he, being a patriot of tho first water, was determined not to gratify Wan ton, or the British for whom he appeared so deeply interested. As tho wind did not favor the ships, he was able to get off' his stock and provisions before thoy took possession of the Island. A glance at the Wanton family may be interesting to the reader. " Edward Wanton emigrated from London to Boston, before 1658. He assisted in the execution of the Quakers in 1659. Convinced of the injustice of their persecution, and won by the fortitude and resignation with which they suffered, ho became a convert to them. Ho removed to Sciiuato, Mass., in 1661, where he had previously purchased an estate. Ho became a Quaker preacher, and was a popular propagator of their doc trines. He died at Scituato, aged 85. His eldest son, Joseph, settled at Tiverton, E. I., in 1688, and both he and his wife were speakers in the Society of Friends. WiUiam Wanton (son of Edward) loft Scituato and settled in Newport. Before his removal, he married Euth, the daughter of Deacon Bryant ; she was a Congregationalist, and he a Quaker. EoUgious objections wore made against the match on both sides. Ho said : ' Friend Euth, let us break from this unreasonable bondage — I will give up my reUgion, and thou shalt thine, and we wiU go over to the Church of Eng land, and go to the Devil together.' They fulfiUed this resolu tion so far as to go to the Church of England, and marrying, and adhering to the Church of England during Ufe. Ho sus tained many offices. In 1732, he was elected Governor of the State, and was reelected in l'r33. Ho died in December of that year. John Wanton, brother of WiUiam, from success in trade, had become one of tho most wealthy citizens of Now- port. He adhered to the faith of tho Quakers. To heal party divisions, which ran high at this period, he was induced to per mit himself to be voted for, and was elected Governor in 1734, and was successively reelected for six years. He died in office, July 5th, 1740. Gideon Wanton, son of Philip, and nephew 208 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. of William and John, was an enterprising merchant of New port, and in addition to other offices, was elected Governor of Ehode Island in 1745, and 1747. He died in September, 1767, aged 74. Joseph Wanton was tho son of WiUiam, who died governor in 1733, and grand-son of the first Edward. He was an opu lent merchant in Newport, and connected by blood and affinity with the wealthiest and most popular famiUes in the Colony. In 1764 and 1767, ho was elected Lieutenant-Governor through the Hopkins' influence. In 1769 ho succeeded Governor Lyndon as Governor of the Colony, and was annually reelected, until the poUtical troubles of 1775, when tho office was declared va-" cant" — Updike. American blood had been shed at Lexington, and the Colony of Ehode Island was aroused. The Legislature then in ses sion, April 1775, passed a resolution to raise and embody 1,500 men, to repel any insult or violence that may be offered to the inhabitants. &c. Governor Wanton sent in his protest against the measures of that body, which, in the present excited state of the public mind, rendered his conduct highly obnoxious to the people. Tho General Assembly declared the seat vacant, and Nicholas Cook, then Lieutenant-Governor, was elected to fill his place. Extract of a letter addressed to the northern part of the Co lony, by Stephen Hopkins, in 1764, in justification of the character of Mr. Wanton, who was Deputy-Governor under him : " I hear it said he is but a boy, is a proud, foppish fellow, wears ruffles and laced clothes, and will not take any notice of or speak to a poor Aian. As to tho first, he is about thirty-four years old. He has been gonteoUy bred, and received a Uberal education, which was matured and poUshed, a sound under standing and enterprising genius. His haughty carriage and despising of tho poor, is nothing more than an unworthy cal umny of his enemies ; and this I can safely affirm, that in Gen- oral Assembly, where I have been chiefly acquainted with him, he remarkably and invariably appeared to be the poor man's friend, as aU can testify who have served there with him. Per haps many of you are desirous that the northern part of the THE WANTON FAMILY. 209 Colony should have its equal share in the administration of gov ernment. If this be the case, you may be fully assured that no thing can tend so directly to weaken and destroy that intention, as the placing both Governor and Deputy- Governor in one town in the northern part of the Colony. Stephen Hopkins. Providence, April 16th, 1764." The family of Wantons, from having occupied a high position in the Colony, by their subsequent conduct, in opposing all measures of resistance against tho invaders of their country, and also in favoring tho British interest at the expense of the rights and liberties of the Colonies, died a political death. Gov ernor Wanton is said to have been a man " of amiable disposi tion, elegant manners, handsome person, and splendid appear ance. He dressed in the finest style of the times, with a large white wig, with three curls, one falling down his back, and one forward of each' shoulder." His likeness is placed in the Eed wood Library. He died at Newport, July 19, 1780, aged 75 years, and was interred in the family vault in the Clifton burial place. The name has become extinct in Newport. His former residence in Thames-street, is now owned by the heirs of the late Captain Eobert Lawton. " We hear from Newport that Joseph Wanton, Esq., finding the British were about to evacuate that place, loaded a vessel with his effects, in order to take his departure with them, but the master being on shore, and the mate having a fair gale for putting off, slipped out of the harbor, and instead of taking the desired course, carried tho vessel and effects to Providence, where they were cheerfully received." It would have been far more gratifying could we have en rolled his name as a patriot in tho war Of the Eevolution, instead of favoring the enemies of his country. About this period a regiment was raised for this station, commanded by Col. Babcock. General Leo was also sent from Boston, to our assistance, by General Washington, with several companies of riflemen. He arrested all the Tories he could find, imposed upon them the most severe restrictions, and soon after returned to Boston. In the fintumn of this year, a large number of the Ehode 210 HISTORY OF RHOUE ISLAND. Island troops stationed at Boston', embarked in Montgomery's expedition against Quebec, under command of General Arnold. No expedition during the war, was attended with greater diffi culties, or displayed a more unconquerable spirit of persever ance, than this. Their march through a trackless, unexplored wilderness, for more than throe hundred mUes, rendered their progress slow and difficult To support life, thoy were compel led to eat therir dogs, shoes, &c., and when at one hundred mUes from a human habitation, they divided their last morsel of bread. And yet such was their unconquerable spirit of patriotism, that their fortitude remained unshaken. On the 1st of December, a siege was commenced upon Quebec, by the united forces of Arnold and Montgomery. The attempt proved unsuccessful, and fatal to the brave Montgomery, who fell at the onset, with two distin guished officers at his side. General Arnold was wounded iu tho action, and carried from the field, when the command devolved on, and the fort was taken by Col. Morgan, a gaUant and intrepid officer. General Arnold remained encamped during the winter, a few miles from Quebec, but the following spring, not being rein forced, and his own forces being insufficient to attempt the re duction of the place, he retired, and by the middle of Juno, the Americans had wholly evacuated Canada. We could almost have wished tho wound of Arnold had proved mortal, and he not have been left .to disgrace his country, and involve a valu able officer in obloquy and ruin. Tho fate of Major Andre, who was a most highly accomplished and meritorious officer, has continued to be a subject of univer sal regret ; and could Washington, consistently with the usages of war, have pardoned the unfortunate man, it would most cheer fully have been done. But ihe decision of the Court Martial, of which Gen. Greene was President, adjudged him worthy of death, and it was not within the province of the Commander-in- Chief to reverse that decision, without subjecting himself to censure and reproach. Major Andre, it is said, was strongly attached to a lady in England, and while i/n prison, penned the following striking and significant lines : DEPARTURE OF WALLACE. 211 ¦" Return, enraptured hours. When Delia's heart waa mine. When she with wreaths of flowers My temples did entwine, No jealousy or care Corroded o'er my breast^ No visions, light as air, Presided o'ei: my rest. Since I'm removed from state. And bid sdieu to time, At my unhappy fate Let Delia not repine. Oh, may the mighty Jove Crown her with happiness ; Grant! grant ! ye powers above. To take her home to rest." Wallace maintained the possession of the harbor until the spring of 1776. A newspaper called *" The Newport Gazette," was established under the patronage of the British authorities at Newport. It was pubUshed by John Howe, in 1777. On the 6th of April, troops having arrived from Providence to our assistance, with two row galleys of two eighteen pound ers each, and while the fleet lay at anchor about a mile from Newport, Col. Babcock directed that two eighteen pounders be placed on an eminence near the shore, in open view of the enemy, and without any works to protect thom. Here the in trepid Col, Elliot, together with the galleys, under command of Commodore Grimes, soon rendered the situation of the cow ardly Wallace extremely uncomfortable, and he abandoned the harbor with tho whole squadron. The Glasgow, of twenty guns, commanded by Captain Snow, returned to Newport, and came to anchor near Fort Island, having fallen in with, and received a severe chastisement from, Admiral Hopkins, off Block Island. Tho same evening, Col. Eichmond ordered several pieces of heavy artillery to bo brought and placed on Brentotf s Point, where a sUght breastwork was thrown up during the night. The foUowing morning he opened so vigorous and well directed a fire upon her and tho transport ship Snow, that they hastily cut their cables and went out to sea. A few days subsequently 212 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. the British ship of war Scarborough, of twenty guns, and two hundred and twenty-five men, with the Cimotar, of eighteen guns and one hundred and forty men, having with them two prize ships, put into Newport harbor, and came to anchor a Uttle to the south of Eose Island. A resolutiou was at once formed to attempt the rescue of tho prizes. The plan adopted was for Captain Hyers, of the Washington galley, to attack aud hold the Scarborough at bay, whUe Captain Grimes, of the Spitfire galley, was to board and bring off tho prizes. Col. Babcock had also made preparations, in ease either of the ships should approach sufficiently near the North Battery at Bren ton's Point, to give them at these places a warm reception. About 11 o'clock at night, Capt. Grimes came along-side, and boarded and took tho prize brig from under the stem of the man-of-war. The Scarborough immediately prepared to give chase, but was so annoyed and embarrassed in her course by Captain Hyers, that the brig was brought safely to harbor, and tho Scarborough brought within reach of the North Battery, when Col. Babcock poured upon her such an iacessant shower of baUs, together with the well-directed and galling fire of the Washington galley, as entirely to arrest hor progress and pre vent further pursuit. At that moment the prize sloop was sail ing with the intention of getting under the protecting wing of the Scarborough, but was disappointed by the intrepidity of Capt. Grimes, who cut her off, boarded, and sent her to Pro vidence. The British ships having both received a severe chastisomeut, the Scarborough from the North Battery, and the Washington galley, and the Cimetar from the battery at Brenton's Point and the Spitfire gaUey, Capt. Grimes, came to anchor between Connanicut and Eose Island. But this position was as unpropi tious as the former, for a battery was opened and the storm of death soon came down upon thom from the shores of Connani cut, so that finding no safety in the harbor; aud danger threat ening thom whichever way thoy flew, they deemed it thebottor part of valor to abandon their position, by a hasty and inglorious re treat But in leaving the harbor thoy had another fiery ordeal to pass, both at Brenton's Point and Castle HUl, where they re ceived a severe and vigorous cannonade from the American bat teries at these places. The ships returned the fire with great ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH FLEET AND ARMY. 213 rage, and departed in mortification and disgrace. During these eight or ten days of almost incessant and successful struggles, tho Americans had only one man slightiy wounded. During this season a number of privateers were fitted out at Newport and Providence, which captured from fifty to one hundred valuable prizes, which were sent to Providence, New- London, &c. Early in the fall, inteUigence was received that a largo Bri- ' tish fleet and army were soon expected to arrive, to take pos session of the Island. All tho cattle tho American commander could coUoct, probably one-half on the Island, were driven to Howland's Ferry, and swam over the river, to prevent their faUing into the hands of the enemy. In December tho British fleet and army arrived, under the command of Sir Peter Parker. The American force being alto gether insufficient to make any effectual resistance, retreated from the Island, and many of the inhabitants loft at the same time. The consternation is said to have been dreadful. Many of tiie inhabitants could not procure vehicles, as everything of the kind was iu requisition, and they were obliged to travel on foot to Howland's Ferry, and on arriving there, were compelled to wait before they could be ferried over, as the crowd assembled was so numerous. Tho fleet ran up the west side of Connanicut, crossed over from the north point of that Island, and landed their troops in Middletown, about four and a half miles from Newport. The British army consisted of about eight or ten thousand men, English and Hessians, of each about an equal number, commanded by General Clinton and Lord Percy. They marched up and encamped on Gould's and Weaver's Hill, except a few who landed at Coddington's Cove, and marched into Newport The Hessians who accompanied tho British, were hired for a small sum, and were made to believe that the people they were about to subdue were weak and inefficient. And so sanguine were they of success, that it is said many had prepared them selves with milking paUs and other apparatus to cultivate the land. When the fleet arrived here, there were two new Ehode Island frigates, caUed the Warren, and tho Providence, lying 214 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. in the harbor of Newport, with eight or ton privateers, which all got under weigh, and ran up the river. Both frigates and privateers, however, during the winter, taking advantage of the north-east wind, made their escape and went to sea, notwith standing the utmost vigilance and care with which each passage was guarded by tho British fleet ; demonstrating tho import ance of the bay, and proving the impossibility of its being blockaded. In 1778, in the month of November, there was collected in the harbor of Newport, twelve British ships of the hue, and two frigates. As soon as the army landed, they commenced plundering the inhabitants ; sheep, fowls, stacks of hay, and every thing else they could lay their hands on, went off as by magic, the first night. This was their intention at the outset, and as they could not unjustly tax the Colonies, and rob them of their earnings with impunitj', they had recourse to powder and ball, in order more effectually to carry out their diabolical plans, and compel them to yield obedience to their arbitrary mandates. After having remained in camp for one week, the barrack pfficer went through the neighborhood, surveying every house, and unceremoniously quartering in each, from ten to forty, and even forty-five men, according to the size and convenience of the house. Thoy remained quartered on the inhabitants until the following May, when they again returned to camp. The female portion of the inhabitants of the town, who were accus tomed to the needle, made clothing for tho soldiers, and in this way obtained a Uving, while the place was a British garrison. It has been said, that the people who remained at Newport, fared much better than many who left, aud went on the main. It was undoubtedly a time of trial, and no place suffered more severely than did Newport. About this time, several thousands of the British troops left Ehode Island for New-York, under the command of General Clinton, and Lord Percy. The command thou devolved upon General Prescott. This officer was a haughty, tyrannical, and despicable character; and actuated by principles and habits purely aristocratical, founded on his position as commander, he was poorly quaUfied to gain the friendship and esteem of his enemies, or strengthen the confidence of his friends. ANECDOTE OF MR. ANTHONY. 215 His constant habit while walking tho streets, if he saw any of the inhabitants conversing together, was to shake his. cane at them, and say, " Disperse, ye rebels." During one of his perambulations about the streets, he chanced to moot with one 'Elisha Anthony, a member of the Society of Friends, and one asking Friend Anthony, in passing, " why he did not take his hat off ?" Anthony said, " It was against his principles to shew those signs of respect to man." Prescott hearing the observa tion, ordered his servant to knock off his hat, which he did ; and they passed on, leaving the Friend, who very coolly picked up his broad-brim, and passed on. This Mr. Anthony's residence was on the corner of King and Thames-street, formerly the old Crown Coffee-house. He possessed a span of the finest horses on tho island, and he at tended and caressed them with almost as 'much tenderness as ho would have bestowed upon human beings, and tho very next day after the hat transaction, Prescott sent for those horses, saying he wanted thom to carry an express to Boston. What he did with one of them is not known ; but Mr. An thony, having occasion to go out on the island next day, found one of thom rode to death, on the road side. The poor horse was dying, and as his master came up to him, he recognized him, and litling his head from the ground, gave him such a pitiful and reproachful look as penetrated his heart. Ho said ho could. never get over the feeling it gave him. Warned by this instance of maUce, Mr. Anthony secreted his cow, and other domestic animals, in his kitchen. No "Wonder Prescott was sent back to Newport, after his exchange. He was a worthy minion of arbitrary power, though if he had had tho fooUngs of a man, he would rather have been hanged than have appeared there again. July 10, 1777, Colonel Barton, of Providence, conceived and executed one of the most bold and hazardous enterprises recorded in tho history of the Eevolution. General Prescott was quarterod.at this time about five mUos from Newport, on the west road, leading to the ferry, at the seat of Mr. Overing. Barton's design was to pass over to Ehode Island from the main, seize Prescott at his quarters, and carry him to the American camp. This enterprise, though hazardous in tho extreme, wa.s plan- 21-6 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. ned with cool deliberation and consummate prudence. Having chosen several officers in whom ho could repose unlimited con fidence, he selected about forty men, whom he knew well under stood rowing, and on whose tried valor he could rely in the most perilous exigency. David P. HaU, Esq., of New- York, stated, " that Quako Honyman, formerly a servant of the Eev. James Honyman, who was at this time a waiter of General Prescott, communicated to Col. Barton his exact position, and accompanied him on the enterprise." At this time there were three British frigates, the Lark, the Diamond, and the Juno, lying with their guard-boats out, on tho oast side of Prudence. On the 10th of the month, at about nine o'clock in the evening, the Colonel, with his company, embarked on board their boats, from Warwick Nock, and with muffled oars passed over to Ehode Island, between Prudence. and Patience. As they passed tho south end of Prudence, they heard from the guard-boats of tho enemy, the sentinel's cry, " All's well." As they landed. Barton divided his men into several divisions, assigning to each their station, when they advanced toward the house, preserving tho strictest order, and the most profound silence. They passed the British guard house from eighty to one hundred rods on the left, and a company of Ught horse at about an equal distance on the right, and a little left of that was the Eedwood seat, where General Smith, second in command, was stationed. (The house is now the property of Elbert J. Anderson, Esq., of New- York, who married a descendant of Mr. Eedwood.) One of tho divisions was directed by a circuitous course to advance upon the house in the roar, and secure the doors, whUe Barton, with the other division, was to advance up in front of the house, through the gate. As they approached the gate, the sentinel, who stood a few yards from thom, cried out, " Who comes there ?" Not readily receiving an answer, ho haUed the second time, and demanded the countersign, when Barton sternly replied, " We have no countersign to give ; have you seen any deserters to-night ?" This had the intended effect. Thoy continued to advance upon him. Barton stiU demanding with greater vehemence, " Have you seen any de serters ?" so that he never suspected them as foes, until his SEIZURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT. 217 musket was seized, and he was told that if he made the least noise, he was a dead man. The other division had already taken possession of, and secured the doors, so that egress from it by its inmates was impossible. General Prescott was not alarmed, tiU his captors were at the door of his bed-chamber, which was fast closed. The negro before mentioned, Quako Honyman, instantly thrust his beetle-head through the panel-door and secured his victim. In the mean time. Major Barrington, aid-de-camp to General Prescott, finding the house attacked, leaped out of a window, intending to seek security in flight ; but when he reached the ground, was secured a prisoner. Colonel Barton, placing his hand on Prcscott's shoulder, told him he was his prisoner, and that silence was his only safety. General Prescott requested permission to dross, but was told by Barton that their business required haste, and that he could only have tiihe to wrap his cloak around him. For security, and in order that tho General might keep time with the light hearts and quick stop of the Colonel's party, he was compelled to walk between two officers, one arm resting on the shoulder of each, while Major Barrington and the sen tinel, were stationed in the centre of the party. They passed through a barley-field, a few rods north of where Mr. Peleg Coggeshall's barn now stands, and but a short dis tance from the guard-house. When thoy arrived at the boats, General Prescott was permitted to dress ; when ho was seated in the boat commanded by Col. Barton, Gen. Prescott implicitly obeyed the injunction of silence, until they had passed for some distance the British ships. As they landed at Warwick Neck, ho turned to Colonel Barton, and s&id, " Sir, you have made a bold push to-night." Barton replied, " We have boon fortunate." Colonel Elliot was found waiting there, with a coach, to receive and convey him to Providence, where himself, with Col." Barton and prisoner, arrived early in the morning. Prescott was subsequently taken to Pomfret, in Connecticut, where he remained a short time. It is said that the landlord of the house where ho stopped, brought him a dish of beans and corn, at which ho was so highly exasperated, that he threw thom into the face of the landlord, who very deliberately wiped his face with his shirt sleeve, and left the room. He, however, 218, HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. soon returned, with a cow-hide, and the manner in which he applied it to his back, was a striking caution. Quako, the black, who piloted the enterprise, and who was rewarded for his services, lived for many years in Pomfret Connecticut ; he afterwards removed to Munson, Massachusetts, where ho died. It is stated that tho British were so incensed against him, that if they could have caught him, he would have boon hung, drawn, and quartered. General Prescott was afterwards exchanged for General Lee, who had fallen into the hands of tho enemy, and, at tho close of the same year, or tho beginning of the next, he again took command of tho British forces on Ehode Island, whore he remained until its final evacuation. The imprisonment of Colonel Barton, for the term of four teen years, in Vermont, was a blot on the national escutcheon. A manjwho had rendered such essential service to his country^ should have received the aid of the nation. But not untU General La Fayette came to this country on a visit, was his liberation effected. He, like a noble patriot, enquired after his old friend and companion in arms, and on being informed of his imprisonment, went out of his way to meet him, (and it was a joyful meeting,) the prison doors wore opened instanter, and the captive set at liberty. On the 27th, Congress voted Colonel Barton an elegant sword, iu acknowledgment of his capture of General Prescott, and sent him a vote of thanks, for that important service. Important it was on many accounts. It had a tendency to excite in a high degree the enthusiasm of the people, to con vince thom that their foes in this quarter wore not invincible, and to humble the arrogance of the enemy. Colonel Barton was quite an amusing man, and whether the countenance is tho true index of the heart or not, he had the happy faculty of always appearing pleasant. It was a familiar saying of his — " To die and bo forgot, is the lot of all mankind, But to be forgot before you are dead is hard." He would then break forth from his reverie, and sing most amusingly those words, — " But while we're here, with friends so doar, Let's drive dull care away." SURRENDER OF GENERAL BURGOYNE. 219 In September, 1777, a secret expedition against Ehode Island was concerted by General Spencer, the commander-in- chief of the American forces in Ehode Island. The Americans were stationed at Tiverton, near where the stone bridge now is. By some means, however, the British commander was apprised of Spencer's intention, and made preparations fqr his reception. Ho directed several dams to be thrown across the brook, running from the north, through the land of the late William Bailey, southward to Easton's Pond, which raised the water to the depth of three or four feet, all through that valley. It is said, the British intended to permit thom to land, and march up without opposition, then destroy their boats, and cut off their retreat. 'The expedition was, however, abandoned, oven after the troops had embarked on board their boats. The certain cause of its faUuro is yet unknown. It has been suggested, that it was designed as a feint, to divert the attention of the enemy, and thereby succeed in dislodging thom from other and more important points. General Burgoyne's surrender immediately followed this event, aud but Uttle regard was paid to the course of poUcy adopted by General Spencer, while in command of the troops on the Island. General Spencer, on leaving his quarters one morning, found the following doggerel verse, written in large letters, placed in fuU view of the public : " Israel wanted bread, The Lord sent them manna ; Rhode Island wants a head. And Congress sends — a granny !" After this, the Major-General was caUed by the sobriquet of " Granny Spencer," as long as he remained in Ehode Island. On October 17, 1777, a flag arrived at Newport from Provi dence, bearing intelUgence of the surrender of General Burgoyne and army to the American forces. A knowledge of this event had reached the Lsland, and was known by certain individuals two days previous to its public announcement by .the arrival of the 220 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. flag. During the whole time the British had possession of the island, a correspondence was maintained between certain indi viduals of the island and tho main, at Little Compton, so that tho American officers wore constantly apprized of the general movements of the enemy, while in possession of Ehode Island. The correspondence was maintained by signals given on the Island, indicating a clear coast, and that a messenger could pass over in safety, after dark. The first signal was the leaving down of a certain pair of bars, which, with tho spy-glass, could be distinctly seen from the main. Afterward, for fear of excit ing the suspicion of tho enemy, the signal was changed — when an open window of Mr. Peleg Peckham's barn answered the same purpose. A smaU vault in the ground, near the shore, and at no great distance from Mr. Peckham's, covered with a flat stone, served as a depository of communication. There, letters and papers were regularly deposited and removed, by the respective indi viduals engaged in the correspondence. It was through this medium of communication that the intelligenco of Burgoyne's surrender first reached tho Island. It is said that the papers bringing this intelligence, and which were found safely deposit ed in the vault, are still preserved in the famUy of a Mr. Barker, on the Island. This noted spot is in Middletown, on the east side of the Island, in sight of Little Compton. That part of the British army now in possession of tho Island, consisted of the 22d regiment, commanded by Colonel Camp- boU ; tho 43d, by Colonel Marsh ; the 54th, by Col. Bruce; and the 63d, by Major Sill. Tho artiUery was commanded by Col onel Ennis. The Hessian regiments were, tho Heno, the Bono, the Dodford, and Lanscraft, deriving their names from their respective commanders. There was also a company of Ught horse attached to tho army, with a regiment of refugees, com manded by Colonel Fanning. There wore also a few compa nies attached to the army, called Soushears and Anspaks; these were Germans. In the spring of 1778, General Sullivan ha"ving been appoint ed to the command of the American troops in Ehode Island, tho British commander at Newport, anticipating an attempt upon tho Island by tho Americans, sent a detachment of five hundred men up the river to destroy their boats, and by this ARRIVAL OP THE FRENCH FLEET. 221 means frustrate the anticipated expedition. They landed on the morningof May 25, at daylight, between Warren and Bristol, and proceeded in two divisions, one for Warren, and the other for the head of Kickemuet river, " when they destroyed about seventy flat-bottom boats, and set fire to one of tho State gaUeys." They also burnt a large quantity of pitch, tar, plank, and other pro perly belonging to the Americans at that place. The party which proceeded to Warren, after having burnt tho meeting house and a number of dwelling houses, plundered and robbed tho inhabitants, not even tho females excepted, who wore robbed of their shoe buckles, gold rings, handkerchiefs, &c. A few days subsequently, a body of one hundred and fifty men were sent to bum the mill, and other buUdings around it, at Tiverton. They'burnt the old miU, and another building at the landing; but in proceeding to the town, the place of their intended plun der, their progress was arrested at tho bridge by a Spartan band of twenty-five men, who had planted themselves there, and dis puted their passage. Nor were they able to carry the bridge, although frequently attempted, and wore compelled to return without effecting the object of their expedition. In July, 1778, the French fleet of eleven saU of line ships, be sides frigates and transports, under the command of Count D'Estaing, appeared off the harbor, to the great joy of the in habitants, and anchored near to Brenton's Eeef. One of the ships of the fleet ran up the west side of Connanicut, and an chored at the north point of the Island. The three British frigates above mentioned, lay at anchor on the east side of Pru dence. A few mornings after, they weighed anchor and sailed, with tho design of getting under protection of the battery at Tammany Hill. The French sWp, aware of their intention, got under way at the same time, and cut them off. The frigates then stood in for the shore, and wore run aground about five or six miles from Newport, on tho west side of Ehode Island. Before they grounded, they cut away the masts, for tho purpose of driving thom nearer the shore ; and as soon as they struck, they set them on fire, and made for the shore in their boats. During this time, the French ship was sufficiently near to have thrown grape shot over thom, yet when she saw them fire and abandon their vessels, she retired and took her former position, without firing a gun. A number of British 222 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. vessels, lying at Coddington Cove, were also set on fire as soon as the burning of the frigates was discovered. The Grand Duke, lying a Uttle to the north of Long Wharf, with several other vessels, was burnt The Falcon and the Flora, frigates, wore sunkl the latter at Tort Walcott Wharf, and they were never afterward able to float her. About a year after the Bri tish evacuated the Island, and the Americans took possession, the Flora was floated, fitted for sea, aud sent to France. About tho same time tho frigates were burnt in the harbor and along the shore, the King Fisher, a manof war, was burnt iu the East Passage. The French fleet, after lying at anchor for several days, ran up the middle passage, and anchored under Gould Island. They ran up under three topsails, and received the fire of the British batteries as they passed, but returned it with such warmth that they soon silenced tho forts. Several shots from the French fleet were unintentionally thrown into the town. As soon as the fleet approached the harbor, the British troops com menced burning the houses about two miles from Newport, commencing at tho house formerly owned by the late Geo. Irish, Esq. ; they burnt every house on the West road, for the distance of a mile ; on the East road about half that distance ; and from the West road to the shore. At the same time a party, principally refugees, was employed and sent out through the Island, headed by one WUUam Crosson, who cut and de stroyed cart-wheels, wagons, and carriages of aU descriptions, grindstones, scythes, axes, hatchets, and every other edged tool thoy could find, and fiUod up many of the wells. Crosson's deeds of darkness were perpetrated during the night, and were not confined to tho Umits of tho Island, but often extended as far as Swanzey Neck, Littie Compton, and FaU Eiver, plunder ing the inhabitants of everything he could bring off in his boats, and frequently not oven sparing the citizens themselves. In one of his midnight excursions, he seized and brought off a worthy and respectable citizen of Swanzey Neck, by the name of Slade, who died of the smaU pox on board of the British prison ship in tho harbor of Newport. Many othei-s, who had the misfortune to faU into his hands, were never after permitted to return. Crosson's character had become so notorious, and public in- AN INHUMAN MURDER. 223 dignation so excited, that measures were taken for his appre hension. But securely sheltered under the protecting wing of British power by day, no prospect of his capture appeared, unless it could be effected when engaged in his depredations at night Accordingly a boat was fitted out at Little Compton called a shaving mUl, commanded by Lemuel Bayley of that town, for his capture. Nor was it long before he found him self a prisoner. He was conveyed to Providence under a strong guard, but when he arrived there, such was the pubUc feeling of indignation against him, that with great difficulty the guard could protect him from popular violence. After hav ing been in prison for several months in that town, by some means, supposed to be by the influence of a, bribe, he escaped from jail and appeared again in Newport. When the British evacu ated the Island, Crossons went off with thom, and probably considered it safe to remain with them, as he never afterward returned to Newport. Dollars and cents, it seems, have always had an unbounded influence with some in the Plantations. — Among the reckless associates of Crosson, was a man by the name of Gouldsborough. He landed his party at Little Comp ton one evening, near the place where a lad by the name of Taggart, son of Judge William Taggart, senior, and brother of th*e late Judge Taggart, of Middletown, was stationed as a sentinel. The inhuman Gouldsborough seized and murdered young Taggart on the spot. A few days previous to this, the British commander had seized and drove within the linos all tho stock, cows, oxen, &c., he could find on the Island. Sheep there were none, ha"ving all been previously stolen. The same day (at night) on which the French fleet came in, the British withdrew their troops ftom Jhe north end of the island, and took up their position on tho heights, about two miles from No"wport. Their line extended from Coddington's Cove to Easton's Beach ;¦ the whole distance being defended by breastworks and redoubts ; besides which, they had a Une still nearer the town, running from the West of the north mill down to the GUIs' farm, formerly the property of Nicholas Easton. On the following morning, the American army landed on the north end of the Island, without opposition, and took posses sion of the neighboring heights. The army was composed of 224 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. miUtia, continental troops, and volunteers, commanded by Gen erals Sullivan, Green, Glover, and tho Marquis de Lafayette, supposed to number from ten to fifteen thousand men. On the afternoon of the same day that tho Americans landed on the Island, the British fleet of twenty-five sail was discovered standing in for Newport. They came too off Point Judith for tho night, but a sudden change of wind favoring the Count the following morning, he stood out to sea with his whole squad ron. Lord Howe, after some unsuccessful manoBuvoring to get the weather guage of the French fleet, put to sea, foUowed by Count D'Estaing, and both fleets were soon lost sight of in thg distance. The storm which had already commenced, continued to rage with increasing violence for several days, so that no general action was obtained between the fleets. Both, how ever, wore greatly damaged by the storm. Tho Languedoc, of ninety guns, commanded by Count D'Estaing, had neither mast nor bowsprit standing, and several others were in a similar situation. Tho American troops en camped on tho north part of tho Island, sufforred not loss than tho ships. Such was the violence of the tempest, attended with a powerful rain, that by the night of the 12th, not a tent or marquee remained standing. Many horses and several of the soldiers perished by the severity of the storm, and tho whole army was in tho most wretched and deplorable condition. And in addition to their own personal sufferings, tho greater part of their ammunition was either destroyed or greatly damaged by the storm. The 14th, the storm having subsided, and the day be ing serene and warm, the American army spent in drying their clothes, &c., aud iu making ready for their future operations. On tho foUowing morning, they took up their line of march in three several divisions ; one on the East road, one on the West, and tho third through tho centre of the Island, and pos sessed themselves of tho heights, about one and a half miles from tho British Unes. General Sullivan quartered about five miles from Newport, at what is now caUed the Gibbs Farm. General Lafayette quartered on the East side of tho Island, at what was then caUed the Bowler Garden Farm, about tho same distance from Newport. General Green quartered on the farm now owned by the heirs of the late Colonel Eichard K. Ban dolph, of Newport. GREAT SNOW STORM. 225 The British had thrown up a large fort, the remains of which are still visible, a little to the north and east of the residence of the late George Irish, Esq., and directiy opposite on Honyman's Hill. At a distance of little more than a mile, the Americans had thrown up a fort and other works, and by the 20th, they had opened two four-gun batteries, and by the 23d had mounted seventeen pieces of hea"vy artillery, two ten-inch mortars, and three five and a half inch howitzers. From these works, on either side^ was kept up a continual cannonading by day, and throwing of bombs by night, by which many were kiUed on both sides. An amusing circumstance is related of tho discharge of a cannon from the battery at Hony man's Hill. A large dinner party had assembled at tho Dudley Farm, now occupied by Edward Van Zandt, Esq., when just as the guests were about to seat themselves at the table, a ball passed through the hall, and the company fled precipitately out of the house, with the loss of their dinner. GREAT SNOW STORM. On the night of the 22d of December, 1778, a snow storm com menced with a severity never before experienced by the oldest inhabitants, for tho quantity of snow which foU, as also for the severity of tho cold. In Newport, all the sentinels of the British army "who were stationed in the exterior Unes, that were not called in before night, were found after tho storm, frozen to death at their posts ; many soldiers perished in buildings where they had no fire, and many perished in endeavoring, to flnd their quarters during the snow storm. The storm was afterwards known as the " Hessian storm," from the groat number of soldiers of that nation who perished. No tidings were received, and nothing was known of the dis abled and wrecked condition of the fleets, until about a week after the storm, when the French fleet wore seen at a distance,- standing for Newport. At 7 o'clock, P. M., the Marquis de Lafayette, and other 226 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. officers; went on board to consult with the French officers, on rneasuros for the vigorous and successful prosecution of the ex pedition, and prevaU with them immediately to enter the har bor. But their' efforts wore without success, and about 12 at night they loft the ships and returned on shore. The conduct of the Count, in refusing a compliance with the request of the American officers, when conquest appeared so easy, and victory so sure, was most severely censured. But when it is considered that his instructions were positive from the Court of France, in case of disaster, and that his officers unanimously signed a pro test against entering the harbor in their disabled condition, this censure at least in a very great degree, must appear to be un merited and severe. Wei have never been able to discoverthat any very importiant aid Was furnished by the French fleet, while in the waters of Newport There was, we grant, a show of resistance, but the efficiency in prosecuting the lino of defence, failed. Far bo it from us, however, to undervalue the aid received from tho French. It dooided the contest. " It cost her more than three hundred miUions of dollars," and hurried her into a revolution, more ex hausting than any other state in tha tide of time. The chief object of the treaties of 1778, was the ostablisment of tho Liberty, Sovereignty, and Independence of the United States in the war of the Eevolution. It was a dark and gloomy period with the Colonies, when France offered her assistance. The hopes which had boon kindled by early successes, were almost extinguished by recent and successive disasters. It was at this painful moment that aUied armies, fresh, vigorous, and well- appointed, cooperating with a gaUant fleet, met tho invader, and his surrender at Yorktown, opened tho way to peace, sover eignty, and independence. Tho mUitia raised for this expedition, were drafted only for three weeks; one-half of which were on service, and the re- niainder were to hold themselves in readiness, to succeed thom at the expiration of that time, if called for. Within twenty-four hours after the French fleet saUod for Boston, between two and throe thousand volunteers from Boston and other parts of New- Eugland, loft the army and returned home. And many of the mUitia whose term of service had now expired, returned, whUe those who were to succeed them, came on with reluctance, and RETREAT PROM RHOBE ISLAND. 227 not more than half their number was ever supplied, so that the American army was greatly reduced. In this situation, without a naval force to protect or succor them, th« possibility of a successful retreat was the oaly alterna tive. But it was deemed prudent not hastily to abandon their present position, lest they should thus encourage the pursuit of their fogs, and hazard the honor of a successful retreat. They still maintained their post until the night of the 28th, when about 12th oVlock, the army began to move toward the north end of the Island, secure a communication with the main, and wait until information should be received from the French fleet in Boston. G«n. de Lafayette was despatched with a message to Count D'Estaing, to ascertain whether the assistance and cooperation of the fleet could be expected, and to solicit its speedy return. The Count oould not consent that the fleet should return, but promptly offered to march his troops from Boston, to the. assist ance of the American forces on Ehode Island, if requested. At daylight, the retreat having been discovered by the British, they took up their march in pursuit. The French have never been distinguished on the ocean ; in the battle-field thoy have never had their superiors. If the fleet had been possessed of sufficient nerve they might at this exi gency have rendered 'essential service to our troops, but as it was, they displayed a very great weakness, and gave the enemy the advantaga About six miles from Newport, the regiment in advance, commanded by Col. Campbell, was separated in two divisions, and pressed forward in pursuit ; one division retaining the road, the other the open field to the left They advanced without opposition or obstruction, until they approached a wall running from tho west a little to the north of Sampson Sher man's house. Here the Americans had lyiag in ambush, under the wall, a piquet guard of between three and four hundred men, who were not discovered by the enemy, and who were ordered not to fire until the word was given by the commander; again to load and fire, and then continue their retreat. The orders were strictly obeyed, and the command to fire was not given until the enemy were within half gun shot, when they poured upon them such a flood of death, as not only to check the advancing fise, but throw them into the greatest con- 228 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. fusion, giving the guard sufficient time again to fire and make good their retreat, with but very little loss. Col. Campbell had several balls pass through his clothes, and his horse killed under him. At one of the field pieces every man was shot down at the first fire. In the rear, and at a dis tance of not more than half a mile, the Fifty-fourth and two Hes sian regiments were advancing, but so unexpected and fatal had been the work of that moment, and so rapid the retreat of the p.ssailants, that they arrived too late to render their dying com- pHnions the least assistance. ? The main body of the- American army had gained and taken possession of Butt's HiU, on the northern part of the Island. It has generally been supposed, eveni at this time, had General Green's advice been taken, a most signal victory might have been gained over the pursuing enemy. His advice was over ruled, however, and tho enemy pressed onward toward the American lines. They advanced near the left wing of the Ameri can army, but were repulsed and driven back by General Glover, when they retired and took possession of Quaker Hill, about a mile from the position occupied by the Americans. A contiur ued skirmishing was kept up between tho two armies, during this and tho following day, and frequently whole regiments were engaged in the deadly strife at once, and the same "spot of ground was taken possession of and abandoned by both the bel- Ugerent parties. The last and most severe skirmish during the action, was an attempt made by the British on a redoubt in pos session of the Americans. A reinforcement was sent to its re- Uef, who arrived just in time to prevent tho success of the enemy,. and just as they were making a third and desperate effort to carry the redoubt ; they were repulsed with considerable loss^ and in groat confusion precipitately retreated, leaving many of their slain and wounded on the field of battle. After this action, the firing of the musketry ceased,, but the roar of. the artiUery stiU continued on both sides. One grand object of tho American commander in planting himself on these heights, and maintaining so long the san guinary conflict, was to secure the removal of the bag gage and heavy artillery with the stores of war, which was briskly going on in the roar, while the roar of cannon and the storm of death were raging in the front. The sentinels of both RETREAT PROM RHODE ISLAND. 229 tinnies were stationed at a distance of not njore than seventy rods from each other, so that it required no small degree of gen eralship to cover the design of retreat from the suspicion of a watchful enemy, and render that retreat triumphant and success ful. On the 30th of the month, a number of tents wore erected. in fuU view of tho enemy, and the whole army were apparently engaged in fortifying and strengthening their present position ; after the going down of the sun, they built a largo number of fires, extending nearly across the Island, to lull the enemy into security, and cover from suspicion their intended retreat As soon as the surrounding darkness favored the design, the • tents were struck, and the troops with the artillery and-baggage, moved to the north, embarked in their flatbottomod boats, and were all safely landed on the main before the dawn of day. The brave and generous de Lafayette, who returned from Boston at the moment our troops were landing, was very greatly disap- pointedin not having been permitted to share in the perils of the action. Anticipating such an event, he had rode the dis tance of seventy miles in about six hours. Nor could he be prevented "from passing over to bring off tho piquet and other parties who covered the American retreat. This he effected with such consummate prudence and self possession, that not a man was left behind, nor tho slightest loss sustained. This re treat, notwithstanding the failure of tho expedition, reflected the highest honor on tho American commanders, and the wisdom and skiU by whieh it was executed, was applauded even by the British officers themselves. The loss of the Amorieans, as stated by General SulUvanj was, — Killed 30 Wounded 137 Missing 44 T-otal ... 211 Nearly 1200 Americans were engaged in the action, and they are -said to have shown great firmness. The day after the action, a cannonade was kept up by both armies. A letter was received from General Washington, informing him (General SmUivan,) that a large body of troops had sailed 230 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. from New-York, most probably for the relief of Newport ; and a resolution was immediately formed to evacuate the island. The delay of a single day would, probably, have been fatal to the Americans ; for Sir Henry Clinton, who had been delayed by adverse winds, arrived with a reinforcement of 4O0O men, on the very next day, w_hen a retreat, it is presumed, would have been impracticable. The troops on Ehode Island, under the conamand of General Sullivan, on the 4th of August, were arranged as follows : — Varnum's brigade, including officers . 1,037 Glover's do. ditto . . 1,131 CorneU's do. ditto . . 1,719 Green's do. ditto . . 1,625 Lovell's do. ditto . . 1,158 Titcomb's do. ditto . . 959 Livingstone's advance. ditto . . 659 West's reserve, ditto . . 1,025 ArtiUery . . . ditto lount . . : . 810 Total am . 10,124 On November 28th, 1776, tbe day of General Wa^ington's retreat over the Delaware, the British took possession of Ehode Island. The scenes which have been enacted on the island, invests it with peculiar interest, and should remind us, of tho present day, of the sufferings which our fathers endured, to bequeath to their children the rich legacy of liberty and independence. The island has been consecrated by tho blood of our patriot sires ; and when we walk over tho fields of carnage, may we be reminded of the value of the American Union, and discounten ance every attempt made by fanatics, to weaken the ties which hold us together as one people. The British held position of the island, until the autumn of 1779, when Sir Henry Clinton, at New-York, anticipating an attack upon that place by tho combined forces of America and France, dispatdied a number of transports to bring off the troops from Ehode Island, to strengthen his forces at New- York ; they embarked on the 25th of October, at the south end of the island, and arrived at New-York on the 27th- RESTORATION OF THE TOWN RECORDS. 231 On the day- the island was evacuated, orders wore issued by the British commander, that the inhabitants of Newport should keep within their houses during the time the royal troops "were passing through Thames-street, the route which they took to the Neck, the place of their embarkation, on pain of death. This injunction was strictly complied with, so that those who had the curiosity to see the invaders of their peaceful shores march through their streets, stole a glance at them through the crevices of their windows and doors. The.British burnt all the barracks at Fort Adams, and the Ught-house at Beaver Tail, and carried off with thom the Town Eecords, consisting of the books of Eegistry of Deeds, the Eecords of the Town Council, th^ Court of Probate, &c., which, in their passage to New- York, were unfortunately sunk with the vessel which carried thom away, near Hell Gate, and were under water for several hours before they were recovered. They were detained in New-York about three years, and when they wore afterwards returned to Newport, they were in a damaged condition. Had they been copied immediately on their recovery, many valuable documents might have been pre served, but having been neglected so long, they are now in a dUapidated state, and of little use. On the arrival of Sir Henry Clinton, the last WUIiam Cod dington, an aged and respectable gentleman, who hold the office of Town Clerk, not willing to remain in prison, left the island, and went to Providence, there to reside untU the army had abandoned the enterprise, and left the State. It is to be regretted that he had not taken with him the:Eecords of the town, instead of placing them in the hands of his friend, Walter Chaloner, who took them to New- York, and their fate has boon described above. In 1 782, the Town Council of Newport, having made appUca tion to General Carlton, the British Commander at New-York, for the return of the Town Eocjrds, which had been t<*kon away at the evacuation of the town ; thoy, in December, received by a flag of truce, the books and papers. General Carlton expressing his sorrow, " for the damage they had sus tained, from the sinking of the transport in HeU Gate, and the long time thoy had lain (three years,) without examination." The possession of the island for three years, by a strong and 232 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. powerful foe, who treated its inhabitants as rebels against the authority of their King, and consequently claiming the divine right of his Majesty to whatever the royal troops should please to possess, reduced tho inhabitants to tho greatest poverty and distress. At this distant period, it is impossible to form the least conception of the wretchedness and misery endured by the inhabitants of the island at that trying period ; and nothing but the providence of God sustained them in tho hour of peril ; thoy wore, however, delivered from their enemies, and ultimately achieved their freedom from the gaUing yoke of British tyranny. During the period of their stay, they had cut down and consumed all the flourishing groves of forest trees, with many of tho most valuable orchards, and numerous ornamental trees, which beautified and adorned the island, so that the inhabitants wore entirely destitute of fuel. The wells at Portsmouth were filled up, tho houses on the heights of Middletown were set on fire by tho General's order, and even the wharves, in Newport, which at that period wore built of timber, were torn up for fuel, as tho weather was so extremely severe in 1779-80. It is estimated that nine hundred dweUings, besides ware houses, were destroyed, while the British had possession of Newport. The town presented a wide scene of desolation after the evacuation, and it should be no surprise to the reader that Newport has never recovered her former prosperity, when the ravages committed by a lawless and infuriated nation are duly considered. Ehode Island was one of the principal points, and her spacious harbor, capable of containing the whole British fleet, rendered it a key of great importance, in pushing forward their schemes, in the subjugation of tho rebellious Colonies. During the possession of tho island by the British, the free men of Newport had hold their Town Meetings, for choice of representatives in the General Assembly in Providence, the " hornet's nest," as tho British called it, agreeably to an Act of that body, granting tbem permission to do so. Middletown and Portsmouth held Town Meetings in Tiverton, for the election of repTosentativos to the General Assembly ; but after the evacuation of tho island by tho enemy, that, body passed an act, empowering tho town of Newport to resume ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH. 233 their corporate powers, and choose Town officers, providing every person should be excluded from voting, who had in any wise aided the enemy. The first meeting of tho freemen for the choice of officers, was held at' the Friends' Meeting-House, in November, 1779. In January, 1779, the sum of five hundred pounds of lawful money, was granted by the General Assembly, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of Newport ; and large contribu tions continued to be made for the same object, in this, and the adjoining States. The General Assembly, at their Juno session, in 1780, banished thirty-six persons from the State, and confiscated their estates, for adhering to the enemy. On the 10th July, 1780, tho French fleet, of seven saU of the line and five frigates, with a large number of transports, and an . army of six thousand men, arrived at Newport, tb the great joy of the inhabitants. The fleet was commanded by the ChevaUer de Tournay, and the army by Count de Eochambeau. The town was iUuminated, and the arrival of the fleet and army greeted with the fullest demonstrations of gratitude and joy. CompUmentary addresses were made by a committee of the General Assembly, then in session, both to Admiral de Tour ney and Count de Eochambeau, to which they gave the most spirited and patriotic replies. In July, it having been ascertained that a large naval and land force were destined against Newport, the inhabitants associated, and formed themselves Sito companies, both for tho -common defence, and also that the disaffected might be known. The town was divided into four districts, and by a vote of the freemen, the inhabitants were required to moot, and sign articles of association ; and those who should not appear at tho place designated in the several districts, were to be deemed as enemies of their country ; and all persons refusing to take up arms against the enemy, were to be banished from the place. It was voted that a copy of the list of disaffected persons, ordered to be forwarded to the Council of War, be also sent to General Heath, that if the British fleet and army arrive, before any return is received from the Council, he may know what persons the town requests should bo removed from the island. The list sent to the Council of War, was called the 234 HISTORY OP rhode island. " black list,'' embracing the votes of the town, that such persons bo sent instanter from the island, as inimical to the United States. Tho militia from Connecticut and Massachusetts, "rt'ore ordered to the defence of Ehode Island. Tho expedition was, however, abandoned by Sir Henry CUnton, even after having saUod from Now- York with a largo fleet, and an army of eight thousand men, as far as Huntington Bay, on Long Island, much to the disappointment and grief of our magnanimous allies, who were prepared to give him a most warm and hearty reception. It is painful to bo called upon to notice a class of men, who rendered themselves so obnoxious in tho war of tho Eevolution. They wore traitors to their country, and had no just claim on the sympathies of the people ; thoy had flattered themselves with the idea of the final triumph of the British arms, and, consequently, sided in with what thoy conceived to be the strongest party. But they were deceived, and highly disap pointed, and the name of traitor was affixed to their character, and by that appellation they have ever been known. The course pursued towards them by the town was just, and highly commendatory. As patriots, warring for liberty, they could give no quarter to traitors. On tho 20th of August, nineteen warriors of tho Oneida Indians, arrived in Newport, and dined "with General Eocham beau and Admiral do Tourney ; they also dined with General Heath, from all of whom thoy received presents. Admiral de Tourney died soon after his arrival at Newport, and was buried with miUtary honors, in Trinity church-yard, where a slab was afterwards erected to his memory, on the north side of tho church. The funeral procession is said to have boon grand and imposing, extending from his residence on the Point, at the Hunter House, to the church-yard, one dense mass of living beings, with tho bands of music from the fleet, playing the most solemn strains, was a scene of deep interest to contemplate. In March, 1781, General Washington, the saviour of his country, arrived at Newport. He passed over from the main by Conanicut Ferry, and landed from his barge at the head of Long'Wharf As he passed, the French fleet, lying at the back of the fort, fired a salute, and the army was drawn up in RECEPTION OF WASHINGTON. 235 order for his reception at the Long Wharf. Washington, the immortal commander-in-chief of the French and American armies, never appeared tq greater advantage than when he passed over to Newport to review the French forces under Count Eochambeau. He was received at the head of Long Wharf by the French officers, at the head of 7,000 men, who Kned tho streets from thence to the State House. "I never," says a bystander now Uving, "felt the soUd earth tremble under me before. Tho firing from tho French ships that lined tho harbor, was tremendous; it was one continued roar, and looked as though the very Bay was on fire. Wash ington, as you know, was a Marshal of France ; he could not command the French army without being invested with that title. He wore, on this day, the insignia of his office, and was received with all the honors duo to one in that capacity. It is known that many of the flower of the French nobility wore numbered in the army that acted in our defence. Never," said the aged narrator, " will that scene be erased from my memory. The attitudes of the nobles, their deep obeisance, the Hfting of hats and caps, the waving of standards, the sea of plumes, the long line of French soldiers and the general disposition of their arms, unique to us, separating to the right and left, the Chief, with Count Eochambeau on his left, unbonneted, walked through. The Frerfch nobles, commanders, and their under officers, followe^l in the rear. Count Eochambeau was a small, keen lookiiig man, not handsome as was his son, afterwards Governor of Martinique. Count Noailles looked like what he was — a great man. But the resplendent beauty of the two Vios- minels ecUpsed all the rest. They were brothers, and one of thom a General in the army, who bore the title of Count too. Newport never s^w anything so'handsome as these two young brothers. " But we, the populace, were the only ones that looked at them, for the eye of every Frenchman was directed to Wash ington. Calm and unmoved by all the honors that surrounded him, the voice of adulation nor the din of battle had ever dis turbed the equanimity of his deportment. Ever dignified, he wore on this day the same saint-like expression that always characterized him. They proceeded from the State House to the lodgings of Count Eochambeau, tho present residence of 236 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. the heirs of the late Samuel Verner, corner of Clark and Mary streets. It was a proud day for Newport, to be honored with tho presence of Washington, a name dear to every American heart." A committee of citizens waited upon him on his arrival, and presented him with an address, to which ho politely ropUed. Committee's Address to his Excellency, George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the Thirteen United States of America. Sir — The inhabitants of the ancient town of Newport, warmed with the purest sentiments of esteem and respect, beg leave, through their Committee, to congratulate your Excel lency upon your arrival at this town, the capital of the State of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations; permit us to assure your Excelloney that words are inadequate to express the joy which your presence has infused into the hearts of our foUow-citizons. Happily guided by the Supremo Director of tho American Councils, your Excellency was placed at the head of the armies ; our gratitude is greatly duo to Heaven for the protection of your Excellency's person through aU those scenes of danger and enterprise incident to war, and which your Excellency has sustained with patriotism and fortitude un- paraUelod in the page of history. We will not cloud the festivity of this day by enumerating the scenes of lawless rapine "and devastation, "which have so pe- cuUarly marked tho stops of a tyrannical and rapacious enemy in this town. Tho thought merely occurs, as it deprives us of affording your Excellency some further manifestations of our sincere regard. Suffer us here. Sir, because ive know it must give^your Ex cellency a most sensible pleasure, to express tho happiness this town has enjoyed with the army and fleet of our illustrious ally, who have, by tho wisdom and prudence of their commanders, as well as their own most zealous inclinations, allied themselves to us, not as soldiers only, but as friends 'and citizens ; armed with a most righteous cause, engaged for aU that men hold most dear, what blessings may not America, under the auspices of a kind and overruUng Providence, be led to expect* from the future exertions of your Excellency, the military ardor of the Washington's address. •237 American troops, and an army and fleet of a most generous and magnanimous ally, thirsting for glory, and eager to bleed in the cause of liberty and mankind- We congratulate your Excellency upon the late signal suc cesses of the American arms by land, and those of our allies by sea. .May the succeeding campaign be productive of the end of all our efforts — liberty, peace, and independence to the United States of America, and happiness to all mankind. CHEISTOPHEE ELLEEY," WILLIAM CHANNING, WILLIAM TAGGAET, SOLOMON SOUTHWICK, > Committee. To which Gen. Washington returned the foUowing answer: To Christopher EUery, William Channing, William Taggart, and Solomon Southwick, Esqrs. : Gentlemen — Among the distinguished honors which have a claim to my gratitude since my arrival, I have seen with pe cuUar satisfaction those expressions of esteem and attachment which have manifested themselves in tho citizens of this ancient town. ^ My happiness is complete in the moment that unites the ex pressions of their sentiments for mo with their suffrages in favor of our alUes. The conduct of the French army and fleet, of which the inhabitants testify in so grateful and so affection ate a sense, at the same time that it evinces the wisdom of the commanders and tho discipline of the troops, is a new proof of tho magnanimity of the nation. It is a further demonstration of that generous zeal and concern for the happiness of America which brought thom to our assistance, a happy presage of future harmony — a pleasing evidence that an intercourse be tween the two- nations will more and more cement the union by the solid and lasting ties of mutual affection. I sincerely sympathize with you, gentlemen, in lamenting the depredations suffered by the town while in possession of the enemy, and heartily join you in those liberal wishes^ the accom plishment of which would soon more than restore it to its for mer flourishing condition. Accept my acknowledgments for the polite and obUging manner in which you have been pleased to communicate to me 238 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. the sentiments of your fellow-citizeiK, and the assurance of my warmest esteem for them and for j^u personally. Newport, March 8th, 1781. G. WASHINGTON. The town was iUuminated, the evening after his arrival at Newport Count de Eochambeau gave a splendid baU to Gen, Washington, which was attended by the most fashionable fami lies in Newport This was the firgt interview Washington en joyed with the French officers, and it is said that he and the Count do Eochambeau laid their plans for an attack upon New York, which was disconcerted by the arrival of a large fleet and army to the assistance of Sir Henry Clinton, under the command of Admiral Eodney, About this time. Admiral D'Barras arrived at Boston, and succeeded to the command of the French squadron at Newport It was soon after decided in a council of war, held at Wethersfield, Conn., by General Washington, Count de Eochambeau, and other distinguished officers, that the troops on Ehode Island (with the exception of about fire hundred to. guard the works), should immediately march to the North Eiver, to join the American army. Dur ing the whole period tho French army was quartered in New port, such was their strict regard to the rights and property of the inhabitants, that the whole amount of damage done by them would not exceed one hundred dollars. The pleasure which the French officers derived in mingling with the polished society of Newport, has been already aUuded to, in the description given by Count Seguin in relation to the fancy ball, which was given on the 3d of January, by the offi cers of the regiments of Eoyal Duex Pouts. In was an elegant fete, composed of the first rank in the society of the ancient metropoUs. EXECTTTION. On the 1st of June, 1781, a sergeant of the French artiUery was executed at the south part of Newport, a Uttle back from what was then caUed Huddy's Lane, now the Bowery near the Ocean House, in presence of the whole army, who were drawn up in a hol low square for the occasion. The criminal on being brought to the SUCCESS OF THE REVOLUTION. 239 place of execution, had his right hand cut off and burnt by the executioner, and he was then hanged. His crime was attempt ing to murder his officer. It appeared that in a fit of jealousy he had in the night waylaid the Captain of his Company, and after stabbing him repeatedly, had thrown him into an old ceUar at the corner of Denison and Spring-streets, where the Barker House now stands. The officer was found in his wounded stale and conveyed to his quarters, and afterwards recovered. The Frenchmen were very much smitten by the Newport ladies, and many of them, it is said, lost their hearts. It is not to be wondered at when we consider the elegance of person, and the refinement of manners which preeminently distinguished the fair sex in the past. Many romantic events have transpired on the island, which if we should allude to them all, would increase our volume beyond the ordinary limit which was designed. The ChevaUer de Fayello, Aid-do Camp to the Marquis de Lafayette, died very suddenly at Newport, as he was going on board the French frigate Hermoine. He was buried with mili tary honors in Trinity church-yard. The surrender of Lord CornwalUs and army, to the united forces of America and France, on the 19th of October, 1781, decided the fate of the Eevolution, and was virtually the termi nation of the war ; for although several places of importance were stiU in possession of the enemy, yet their days were num bered, and their destiny sealed. On the 4th of March, 1782, the British ParUament, in the House of Commons, passed a resolution declaring all as enemies to His Majesty, and His Majesty's Kingdom, who should advise to the longer continuance of the war in America. Preliminaries of peace were entered into at Paris, in November, 1782, and a definite treaty, in which Great Britain acknowledged the Sover eignty and Independence of the United States, was signed in September, 1783. In 1783, tho British frigate Mercy, Capt. Stanhope, arrived at Newport, on the 19th of July, from Halifax. While at New port he married Miss Peggy Malborn, daughter of Francis Malborn, sen., Esq. Capt. Stanhope was afterward Admiral, and Knight of the Bath, and one of the Lords of Admiralty. Wo again shaU have occasion to allude to this distinguished individual. 240 HISTORY OF RHOUE ISLAND. Francis Malborn, senior, was a native of Prince Anna county, Virginia, and came to Ehode Island about 1 758. He was a ship-master in the employ of Godfrey Malborn ; he then en gaged in mercantile pursuits, and was a partner of the house of E. & F. Malborn, woU known as enterprising and successful merchants in Newport, previous to the Eevolution. Ho left two sons and throe daughters ; one of his sons was the Hon. Francis Malborn, who was representative and subsequently a Senator in the Congress of the United States. He was a fin ished gentleman of tho old school, and universaUy respected by all classes of tho comnaunity. During the war of tho Eevolution, although Newport, being in possession of the enemy, had but few privateers engaged in the deadly strife, still she furnished a number of distinguished naval commanders, and a greater number of marines, perhaps, than any other town in New-England, in proportion to hor size and population. It is supposed by those who lived in times that " tried men's souls," that Newport probably furnished a thousand men for tho naval service in that war, and that one- half of these fell into the hands of the enemy, and died on board a manof war, the Forton prison, in England, or the old Jersey prison-ship, which for tho loathsomeness and terror of its dun geons, compared with the Black Hole of Calcutta. A certain elegant writer, has said : " Happy, indeed, and thrice happy, wore Warren, Montgomery, and Mercer; happy those other gallant spirits who fell with glory in the heat of battle, distinguished by their country and covered with her applause. Every soul sensible to honor, envies rather than com passionates their fates. It was in tho dungeons of our inhuman invaders — it was in their pestiferous prison-ships that tho wretchedness of our countrymen still makes the heart bleed. It was there that hunger, and thirst, and disease, and aU the contumely cold-hearted cruelty could bestow, sharpened every pang of death. Misery there rung every fibre that could feel, before she gave tho blow of grace whieh sent the sufferer to eternity. It is said that poison was employed ! No ! there was no such mercy there. There nothing was employed which could blunt the susceptibility to anguish, or which, by hastening death, could irob its agonies of a single pang. On board one only of these floating hells, above eleven thousand of our bravo coun- ANECDOTE OF JOHN MURPHY. 241 trymen are said to have perished I She was caUed the Jersey Deep and dreadful as the coloring of this picture may appear, it is but a faint and imperfect sketch of the original. You must remember a thousand unutterable calamities, a thousand in stances of domestic as well as national anxiety and distress, which mock description. You ought to remember them ; you feught to hand thom down in tradition to your posterity, that they may know the awful price their fathers paid for freedom." The naval commanders in that war were John Grimes, Bonj. Pierce, Joseph Gardiner, WilUam Dennis, James Godfrey, Eemembrance Simmons, Thomas Stacy, OUver Eead, Capt. Bently, Samuel Jeffers, John Coggeshall, WiUiam Finch, Capt. Jaquays, James PhiUips, Ezekiel Burroughs, Isaac Freeborn, WiUiam Ladd, Joseph Sheffield, Capt. Gazzoo, and John Mur- 'phy. These either sailed from Newport previous to its posses sion by tho enemy, or subsequently from other ports of New- England, West Indies, &c. The privateers, though small in numerical power and force, yet thoy constantly annoyed the enemy, took many valuable prizes, and achieved some splendid victories. An anecdote is related of John Murphy, one of the command ers, which is too good to be lost. A Mrs. Webber, who kept a boarding-house at the head of Stephens' Wharf, was a re markable neat woman, which was one of the characteristics of Ijhe females of Newport in tho past. It was her constant prac tice to scour her floor every week, and sand it in diamond form. Paint was not generally in vogue at that period. She had on that very day completed her task, which proved to bo rainy, and the streets of course muddy. Murphy, knowing the fact, and designing to play off a joke, sallied forth to tho lower market, and announced with much earnestness to the country men who had collected there, that there was a great curiosity to be seen at Mrs. Webber's, viz., a " Whistling Pig;" the crowd instanter rushed to her house, and bolted into the room, inquir ing at the top of their voices, for the " pig," which brought for ward the lady, who on discovering tho condition of her floor, covered with mud, as may well be imagined, threw her into tho greatest rage, and the green-horns had to make their exit with aU possible haste, while Murphy amused himself with tho joke, which he had so adroitly played off. Ho was tho father of 242 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. the late Capt. John Murphy, long an enterprising shipmaster from Newport Capt Oliver Eead of Newport, justly Reserves a place in the history of these times. No sooner was intelligenco received that the invaders of his country had commenced the work of destruc tion in the environs of Boston, than he left the quiet retirement of home, and hastened to tho rescue. He offered his services to his country as a volunteer, and joined the American troops in the vicinity of Boston. But the dull monotony of the camp was neither suited to the character or habits of Capt. Eead. He soon left the army and sailed as tho commander of a privateer. His bold, adventurous spirit exposed him to great dangers, and during the continuance of tho war, ho was often in the power of his foes ; but the same merciful Providence which watched over and directed tho destiny of that event, watched over and pre served this bold and fearless patriot. After ha"ving been several times taken prisoner, and suffered, some ungontlemanly treat- lUont from his enemies, he solemnly protested, if ever he com manded another vessel, to make atonement for the insults re ceived. Ho was no sooner released from his confinement, than his friends purchased and fitted for him a now and well-built brig, called the Eochambeau. In this brig Capt. Eead achieved several victories, and took many rich and valuable prizes ; but he was destined to see his favorite brig in the possession of his foes, and himself again a prisoner of war, by the chicanery of one of his youthful companions, who was a Loyalist, or, in common par lance of that age, a Tory. Capt. Eead and his companions were taken to New- York, and from thence transferred to tho Jersey prison-ship. He resolved, however, not to remain without attempting his escape, if he perished in the attempt. He com municated his design to several of his companions, Capt. Isaiah Cahoone, and Capt John Tower, of Providence, with one or two others, who, with the same bold, daring intrepidity, resolved to share the fate of Capt Eead. The only plan of escape which afforded the least hope of success, was to seize the boat of the prison-ship, and effect their escape under the guns of the vessel. This plan, hazardous in the extreme, and full of danger, was finally agreed upon, and thoy waited only for a fit opportunity to present itself, when, at a concerted signal, they were to at tempt its execution. After waiting with impatience for several aECAPTUEE OF THE SPY. 243 days. Providence seemed to favor their design, and to grant them a favorable opportunity for attempting their oscfipo. Just before night, the boat of the prison-ship returned from shore, and discharged her stores of provisions, when, at the given sig nal of Captain Eead, his companions leaped after him into the boat, cut away her painter, and made for the shore, amidst a voUey of balls. The darkness of the night, accompanied with a driving snow-storm, which at that moment commenced, pre vented the pursuit of their enemies, and they fortunately landed on Long Island during the night Captain Eead soon returned to Newport, with a heart burning with revenge, especially against his old school-feUow, CrandaU, the notorious tory. It is said that when Eead was delivered up by CrandaU, to the officers of the Jersey prison-ship, he cast a withering look at that reckless being, and said, " A short life to one of us ! If we meet again, and meet again we shall, one of us dies." Capt Eead was soon in command of another vessel, of about an equal force with the Eochambeau, which was now com manded by the infamous CrandalL It was not long before she was descried,, although newly painted, and disguised. Eead prepared for action, and, as he approached her, hoisted Ameri can colors ; being haUed, he answered by a broadside, and at the same time showed himself to the astonished CrandaU, who supposed him safely lodged in the Jersey prison-ship. The conflict lasted for several hours, untU almost every man on board the Eochambeau was either slain or wounded. And when taken possession of^ the lion heart of even Captain Eead was deeply affected-. There lay the headless trunk of the treacherous CrandaU, surrounded by his fallen companions, while the deck wa« literally covered with human gore. Cap tain Eead again entered his native port, accompanied by his favorite Eochambeau. The brig was immediately repaired and fitted for sea, when her bold commander again sailed on another cruise. Captain Eead, having learnt off Sandy Hook that the brig Spy of Providence had been taken by his Majesty's ship Lyon, of sixty-four guns, and ordered to New York, resolved if possible to recapture her. Accordingly-, he moored his ves sel in safety, and kept on the look out, near the Hook. The Spy soon came in sight under British colors, cast anchor, and waited for a pikst Captain Eead, with a few brave feUows to 244 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. man his boat, came alongside and offered his services as a pilot, to take her to New York. His services were readily accepted, and ho took his position at the helm. . . The wind favoring his design, he put her head for his native town, and lot her drive ; nor was tho trick discovered until it was too late. For as thoy were approaching near the place of destination, tho prize-master said to the pilot, " Sir, wo are go ing to Now Yorij, are we?" The pilot, bowing very respect- ftilly, answered laconically, "No, Sir; no. Wo are gui.jg to Newport." George W. Babcock, of Narragansett, who sailed from New port, was another distinguished hero, and was engaged in some of the most obstinate battles during the war. In the spring of 1779, he sailed from' Boston, and on the 16th of May he fell in with, and succeeded in capturing after an obstinate engagement, a British privateer called the Tartar, a few days from Cork. The Tartar mounted twenty-six guns, with a complement of one hundred and fifty men ; but having previously taken and manned several prizes, the actual number in tho engagement, could not have exceeded one hundred and twenty men. The crew of the Mifflin were principally from Newport and Narra gansett. ' Her first lieutenant, Mr. Timothy Coggeshall, was an inhabitant of the Island. The battle raged with increasing vio lence for several hours, at a very short distance, and before the deadly conflict was hushed, the vessels were so near each other that they could readily leap from one to the other. But the British flag finally came down, and Capt, Babcock took pos session of tho Tartar. Two days previous to this engagement, he bad faUen in with and captured the- British store-ship Elephant, which was con veying to England a large number of invalids, both officers and privates. When Captain Babcock approached the Elephant, and demanded that her colors be struck to an American priva teer, her proud and haughty commander, although he know he could make no effectual resistance, refused to comply. It is said that Babcock reasoned with him, and remonstrated against the unnecessary effusion of blood his obstinacy would inevitably involve, for several minutes before he ordered his men to fire. Tho engagement lasted but a fgw moments, before the flag of the Elephant was struck;, but those moments proved A PRIVATEER BURNED. 245 fatal to her commander, who feU, with six of his crew by his side. The success of Captain Babcock and his brave crew had nearly proved fatal to them. Tho number of their prison ers had now so increased, as to render their situation far more hazardous than tho roar of the British cannon. The only alter native of safety that present'ed itself, was the dismissal of a large number of thom. Accordingly, after having received a biU from the British officer, acknowledging the receipt of so many prisoners of war. Captain Babcock put them on board a prize^ship, and loft them to pursue their voyage. The Mifflin, after the engagement, sailed for France, and the Tartar was sent to Boston, where she subsequently arrived in safety. ¦"It was not Newport and the Island merely, that suffered from the British depredators ; but Tiverton, and Seconnot river, also experienced the horrors of war. The English vessels that guarded the entrance of the Seconnet river, and occasionally came up nearly where the Stone Bridge now is, were a great annoyance. Sometimes, however, they would get aground on the Tiverton or Little Compton side, whore the ¦\vater is very shoal, and occasion much trouble to themselves; and, at one time, a large privateer of the enemy was run aground on the shore at Little Compton, just below the farm of Deacon BrowneU, when the enemy were obliged to bum her and make their escape. Tiverton witnessed much suffering of a domestic nature during the time the enemy were in possession of Ehode Island. The people were often called to share their morsel with the suffer ing inhabitants, who from time to time came over, and who came off at tho surrender of the town of Newport, and lingered about the opposite shore in hopes their stay might be short, and they be permitted to go back and collect the remnant of their property. A venerable and respected citizen of Portsmouth, who had held many important offices, remarked, " I was but seven years old when the British entered Newport; yet I dis- tinctiy rocoUect the state of alarm and constant excitement dur ing that period. My father occupied a small house, built on his own land, about three miles equal distance from Bristol and Howland's ferry. I have but little recollection of what took place, particularly, until one day when the Americans under Sullivan were retreating from Ehode Island. A party of the enemy came up to the house of an aged man, and commanded 246 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. him to draw water for thom ; and while the venerable man tot tered to the well, they barbarously shot bim in the back." The Cory family seemed peculiarly a patriotic one ; two of the brothers, Samuel and Pardon, were among the capturers of Prescott. His son, Thomas Corey, married a daughter of Lieutenant Wilcox, one of those who went ahead in the enter prise of taking Prescott. Fogland Ferry, at the period of the Eevolutfon, had a house of entertainment near the end of the point, k^t by Mrs. Sarah Gray. Exposed as they were, the house was often the resort of the British officers and soldiers,' and their insolence was such that Mrs. Gray often had occasion to exercise hor authority to keep them in subj«jction. She was a woman of uncommon nerve, and never daunted by the threats of tho enemy. A Hes sian soldier, on one occasion, inquired for West India rum. He was told they had none, but they could furnish him with some East India. He replied that he would have a glass. The East Eiver was often the scene of conflict TheAmer- can troops stationed at Little Compton brought two cannon to boar, one twelve and one eighteen-pounder, and poured so de structive a fire on the British frigate Cerberus, which was then at anchor there, as to compel her to slip her cables and to make her escape. On the return of peace, the town of Newport was in ruins. Tho storm of war had beat )ieavily upon her, and in the lan guage of Dr. Waterhouse, " she resembled an old battered shield, long held up against the common enemy." According to tho estimate of a committee appointed by the General Assem bly for that purpose, it appears that the loss sustained by the inhabitants of Newport, in the destruction of dweUing houses, warehouses, &c., amounted to £124,798 13s. 5d., silver money. This estimate includes only the loss of private property sus tained by individuals. By an estimate of tho number of inhab itants in Newport, taken by order of the General Assembly in 1782, there were at that time 1,912 whites, and 618 colored, in cluding 69 Indians — making the whole population 5,530. This estimate, compared with that made by order of the General Government in 1774, shows a decrease during the war of 3,679. That estimate gave to Newport a population of 7,917 whites, 1,246 blacks, and 45 Indians — making the siuii A VOTE OP THE TOWN. 247 total of 9,209." And this was supposed to fall considerably below the actual number, being underrated for the purpose of escaping greater requisitions for men and money. If, as is sup posed, Newport once numbered 12,000 inhabitants, about one- half that number was dispersed by the Eevolution. No town had greater occasion of indignation towards the British Government, than Newport. When she surveyed tho desolations brought on her once prosperous town by modern vandals, it was not to bo supposed that she should give the least countenance to a class of men who had deserted her in tho hour of peril, and given their influence in support of the enemy. It is a matter of pain to the patriot; that so many traitors to the cause of liberty were found in Newport They had vainly in dulged the idea that victory would yet dawn on the British arms, and their prosperity follow as a necessary consequence. But happily, they were disappointed, and their names cast out as evil. After the peace, and when business began to resume its former prospects, these refugees, who had fled their country when their services were required, manifested an anxiety to re turn to Newport and resume their former position in society. John Goodrich, sen., an American refugee, arrived at Newport soon after the peace, and soUcited liberty to settle there with his famUy, and become an inhabitant of tho town — offering, in case permission was granted, to bring .twenty sail of vessels, and establish himself in mercantile business. But Goodrich having taken an active part during the war, by fitting out priva teers, and other obnoxious acts against his countrymen, the town voted by a large majority, that he should not be aUowed to set tle in the place. He afterwards settled in Bermuda. Many at this day would be ready to condemn the action of the freemen of Newport, when the principle which governs man in all his acts is founded 0!;i dollars and cents. But higher and -weightier considerations influenced their conduct ; they had been engaged in a righteous cause, in defending their fire sides from the ruthless invaders^ of their peace, and they could not readily forget the aid and comfort which had been furnished tho enemy, by a band of traitors, who were legally and consti tutionally bound to put forth their efforts in the cause of liberty and human rights. It was no trifling matter which urged our fathers forward, in 248 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. resisting British oppression, as every one must be sensible, who has taken pains to investigate the subject. An able writer has weU remarked, " But these were not the beggarly and servile conflicts between a red rose and a -white one; not whether a weak and inglorious bigot, or a wanton and aban doned debauchee, should be king ; they were not those tem porary bursts of misery, which now and then agitate the wretched inhabitants of Constantinople, and which an execution wiU allay without exhibiting any evidence of its justice. They sprung from that unbroken spirit, that wild and unfettered boldness, that restless, that uncontrollable, that subUme love of liberty, which sometimes, indeed, mistakes its moans, but never loses sight of its object, which, while it seems to endanger, often secures that object, and which burns with undiminished force, while one generous sentiment lingers in tho human breast to support it" The part which the inhabitants of Newport took in the great stmggle for liberty and independonco,*ronders their character worthy of aU praise. They had boon early instructed " in the principles of liberty ; tho minds that had colonized this island, were imbued with the spirit of freedom, and labored to impress it indelibly on the hearts of tho people. They could not passively submit to political outrages ; they felt that they pos sessed inherent rights, which could not be trampled on with impunity, and in the majesty of their strength they resolved to conquer or to die. It was a noble resolution, -worthy the name of EhO|^e Islanders ; and by their zeal and devotion, aided by Omnipotent power, they triumphed. And it is now tho " land of the free, and the home of the brave." ^ The return of peace, once more, gave promise of prosperity ; the inhabitants of Newport had the satisfaction of knowing that they were free and independent, and that a motive now existed for them to put forth their energies in endeavoring to recover their former prosperity. Commerce once more resumed its former acti-vity, and tho wharfs, which had been deserted, -were again in requisition; the sound of tho hammer was now heard, giving encouragement to labor. But so heavy had been the blow which had faUen on the ancient town, that the inhabitants 'could not woU flatter themselves of being able to arrive to that commercial distinction, which she had once enjoyed. ? Common Council. ELECTION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS. 249 In 1784, Newport was incorporated as a city, and on the first day of June, of that year, the first choice of city officers was had ; the following gentiemen having been chosen on that occasion, viz. : — George Hazard, for Mayor. George ChampUn, Samuel Fowler, . , , Peleg Clarke, ^Aldermen. Oliver King Warner, J Henry BUss, Samuel Freebody, John Slocum, Eobert Stephens, George Sears, Nich. P. TiUinghast,. Peleg Barker, City Clerk. This form of government being found more expensive, was soon abandoned, and the old form of town government again resumed, in March, 1787, which was a highly sensible and judicious move. An attempt was made a few years since, to revive the charter form of government, but the freemen of the town, in Town Meeting assembled, settled the question, and we would hope, for ever. It now became necessary to form a system of government, embracing the great interest and common welfare of tho several Colonies. But in order to this, it became requisite for each State to surrender a portion of their power to the general government ; and this must ever be the cftse, in a confederated form of government. In conformity to a resolution of the General Congress, aU the Colonies, except Ehode Island, chose delegates, to moot in PhUadelphia, in General Convention, for the purpose of deUberating upon, and framing a Constitution. It was owing to the state of party feeling in Ehode Island, that she was not represented in that body. The motion made in the General Assembly, for the appointment of delegates to meet in General Convention, having been lost, by a majority 250 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. of twenty-throe against it The opposition lay principally in the northern part of the State. The course pursued by Ehode Island, in her refusing to come into tho Union, is a gross reflection on her character ; and we •would hope, for the honor of Newport, that none of her citizens aided in so rebolUbus an act, ha-ving given such convincing evidence of hor patriotism and love of country. Unhappily for the State, a certain class have been found, opposing liberal principles, setting up a standard of their own, which was in direct conflict with the spirit of republican insti tutions, and which, thoy flattered themselves, would ultimately triumph. Hence, a want of co-operation has been remarkably illustrated, in tho various attempts at political reform, which have so highly distinguished the age, and which God grant may never cease, until tho rights and liberties of every Ameri can citizen are secured. At a meeting of the freemen of Newport, held agreeably to the Act of the Assembly, on tho fourth Monday in March, 1778, tho day appointed for the several towns in the State to hold town meetings, to consider the proposed Constitution, the business of the meeting was prefaced by the Moderator, by reciting the Acts of Government which wore referred to the decision of the people. The Constitution was then road ; and the Moderator stated the proceedings of the General Assembly upon it, since it had been transmitted to them. Ho also informed the town of the uniform conduct of their representatives, in endeavoring to obtain the appointment of a Convention. Several gentlemen entered into an investigation of the Act of Assembly ; altering the mode of decision from that recom mended by the General Convention to Congress, and while they paid all possible respect to the Legislature who passed the act, most unqualified terms. The meeting appointed a Committee to draft instructions to our representatives, to endeavor to have a Convention called. The meeting was composed of be- the principle on which it was founded was reprobated in the tween three and four hundred freemen, yet eleven persons only voted on the question, ten against, and only one in favor of tho Constitution. In Providence, only one person voted, and he in the negative. LARGE ISSUES OF PAPER MONEY. 251 In Warwick, and Greenwich, the FedoraU^ts, or friends of the Constitution, entered a protest against the alteration of the mode of decision, as illegal and unprecedented. In Bristol and Littie Compton, there was a majority in favor of tho Constitu tion. The other towns generally gave their voice against it ; and not until compeUed by the action of the General Govern ment, did Ehode Island come into the Union. The union was not effected until 1 790, and until, by Acts of Congress, the commercial relations of Ehode Island W' ore placed on a footing with foreign commerce, exacting foreign duties and tonnage from our vessels. In January, 1790, an Apt passed in General Assembly, for caUing a Convention pf the State, which met in Newport the following March, when the Constitution was agreed to, and the State came into the Confederacy. The paper money system was formerly, if not now, a matter of party controversy. Governors were elected or turned out of office, as the different interests happened to prevail. The commercial interest was invariably opposed to the system, as it tended greatly to embarrass trade, and by its depreciation, and constant fluctuation, great injustice grew out of the sys tem. Many took advantage of the laws, making it a tender at par, to pay debts in depreciated money ; and creditors, who ¦ had parted with their gold and silver, wore compelled to receive those shin-plasters, in return for their debts. In 1710, the Colony of Ehode Island commenced the issue of paper money, to defray the pubUc expenditure of the war, for that year, and after that period, new emissions were made from time to time, as circumstances required. Sometimes paper was issued to replenish the treasury, sometimes to loan the people on mortgage, until the increasing amount issued, caused it almost constantly to depreciate in current value ; and as the money depreciated in value, the emissions were increased, until about 1749, when the General Assembly were restricted by Parliament from making any more, except under certain Umitations. The various emissions, from time to time, were, at the time for which they were issued expired, called in and sunk, they gone- rally being made redeemable in some given time. It has been estimated that in 1748, there was in circulation in this State, in 252 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. what was caUed old tenor, £500,000. By a report of a Com mittee to tho General Assembly, in 1749, thoy made tho out standing bills, at that time, £320,444 2s. 3 l-2d. By a report of a Committee to tho General Assembly, in 1764, in answer to the inquiry of the Lords Commissioners of Trade, it appears there was then in circulation, £30,000, in bills issued to carry on tho war, equal to £30,000 storUng ; about two-thirds of which sum must be called in and sunk in a year from that time, after which, they say, £13,000 only of tho biUs issued to defray the expense of the war, wiU be in circulation, and these, with the small remainder of old tenor bills that shall be outstanding, will come to a final end in 1767. By an Act of Assembly, Sept. 1770, thes circulation of the old tenor bills was prohibited. Thoy were to be brought into the treasury and exchanged for treasury notes, at the rate of £8, old tenor, for one dollar. In May, 1775, the State having voted to raise troops, issued £20,000, in bills, on interest, at two-and- a-half per cent, and made thom a tender for all debts, 6s. ¦9d, to the silver ounce. In August of this year, the continental bills, of which there were beginning to be large emissions by Congress, were made a tender at 6s. per dollar. Emissions of paper were now fre quently made by tho Colony, and those persons who should undervalue the bills, were declared enemies to the pubUc weal, and every possible exertion was made during the Eevolutionary war, to sustain their credit and keep up their value. In 1776, a Committee of the New-England States recom mended them to emit no more biUs of credit, unless absolutely necessary ; but to tax or borrow, and if thoy did emit money, to issue bills on interest at four per cent. Tho General Assembly approved this plan, and ordered £40,000 to be hired, in notes payable in two years. In 1777, thoy ordered £50,000 lawful money to bo hired, and notes given on interest for the same at four per cent. These notes were at first made a legal tender, but was subse quently repealed, and all contracts were to be made in specie. In 1778and 1782, actswero passed for consoUdating tho paper money, and ordering all notes and biUs to be brought into the treasury, and interest calculated at six per cent from June, 1778, when they were struck out of circulation, and new notes given on interest MONEY DIFFICULTIES. 253 On the return of peace in 1783, there was very little gold and sil- ver in circulation, and nothing to supply its place as a circulating medium. It was customary for the merchants to pay the mechan ics and laborers in their employ, in tea, sugar, coffee, &c., which thoy were obUged to take to market, and exchange with the farmers for-provisions. And so difficult -was it to raise money, that the farmers suffered greatly in having cattle taken from them and sold for payment of taxes. # This State, from its local situation, was exposed, during the war, to tho frequent incursions pf the enemy. Those incursions were repelled chiefly by the military of Ehode Island, under the direction, and at the expense, (in the first instance,) of the State ; by reason of which, Ehode Island incurred a much larger debt than perhaps any of hor sister States, in proportion to her esti mated rate in the valuation of tho United States. A Committee appointed by tho General Assembly, to inquire Into the state of the public securities, due from the State, re ported a debt of £153,047 15s.9id.,of which £106,976 lis. 3id., was on interest at 6 per cent, for treasury notes issued for sol diers' wages, depreciation of soldiers' wages, debts due for con fiscated estates, for money loaned, &c., &c. ; £46,071 4s. 6d. of which was on interest at 4 per cent, and was for debts due from Government, in 1777. In May, 1 786, the paper money party having prevailed, and chosen their candidate for Governor, &c., an act was passed for emitting £100,000, lawful money, in bills of credit, and making the same a legal tender at par, for the payment of debts. Tho 6 per cent debt was consolidated by a scale of depreciation to real money, at 6s. per doUar, and by an act of Assembly was to bo paid in the paper emission of 1786, at its nominal value, although that had already depreciated to 48s. for a doUar. It was pro posed to consoUdate tho 4 per cent, debt, at 40s. for one dollar, and payable in tho same emission at its nominal value. In October, 1789, the value of bills emitted in 1786, was made fifteen paper dollars for one of silver. But gold and silver being very scarce, and considering tho impracticability of discharging debts in specie, it was enacted that real estate of not loss value than £40, and personal property within tho State, might be substituted, in the payment of debts, under certain restric tions. The Governor in his Message to the General Assembly, in October, 1791, speaking of the State debt, says : 254 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. " This debt was whoUy incurred during the late war, in the common defence of the nation." After peace took place, as it was found by experience imprac ticable to discharge it in the ordinary mode of taxes, in gold and sUver, recourse was had to paper money ; this was issued in 1786. The holders of State securities were required to receive it in payment on penalty of forfeiting the whole amount of their respective demands. Owing to the unhappy divisions that pre vailed, it suffered an unusual depreciation, but payments in paper were made to nearly the amount of £79,000, and securi ties to the amount of about £48,000, were lodged in the Gen eral Treasury, in consequence of the requisition of the Legisla ture from bringing them in for the paper money. The specie value of the payments thus made in paper, was only about one- sixth part, or perhaps less, of the nominal value, from the great depreciation of the paper money. And finally, at the rate of about 15 for 1, it became indispensably necessary for the Legis lature to interpose ; and as an appreciation of the paper at par, in the greatly depreciated state, would have been productive of as much, or perhaps more injustice, than its depreciation, the Legislature had no alternative but to arrest it as it was ; to re peal the tender, and declare that it should finally be redeemed at the rate of 15 for 1. And an act for this purpose, was passed October, 1789. In August, last year, Congress assumed $21,500,000 of the debt of tho several States, including in the assumption $200,000 of the debt of this State ; and as the sum assumed is charged by the United States to the State from which it is assumed, if the Legislature had not interposed, those who did not com ply with the requisition for receiving the paper money, would have received the whole benefit of this assumption, and a reali zation of the greatest part of their securities ; while those who did comply would not only lose five-sixths of their demands, but must have contributed their full proportion to the paying the whole amount of the securities, which had been confiscated as before mentioned. In obedience to acts of the General Assembly of this State, of January and June of 1795, making pro-vision for the transfer of the stock of the United States, belonging to this State, to the individual creditors thereof, the General Treasurer reported as MONEY DIFFICULTIES. 255 due for certificates issued for various kinds of debts incurred during tho revolution, and for consolidating the paper money, and securities issued for paper money, and for sinking the 4 per cent, notes, and including notes issued previous to the Eevolu tion, &c., the sum of £503,594 76, of which five-sixths, or $419,662 30, was issuable in certificates for funded stock of the United States, and one-sixth, or $83,932 46, in State cer tificates unpro-vided for. In February, 1803, the General Treasurer reported the above $83,932 46, together with additional claims brought in, and aUowed by the State from time to time, making in aU a regis tered State debt of $163,163 71, which debt was afterward from time to time reduced, until June, 1804. By his report it appeared there was a balance of principal and interest then due of $120,949 04, and in a subsequent report in 1807, he reported $10,680 14 more of said balance as paid. But a large pro portion of said balance remains to this day unpaid. The debt we conceive to be a just one, and the payment should no longer be delayed to lawful claimants. Those securi ties were received in good faith, and a portion of the demand paid, which was a virtual ackno-wledgment of the debt ; and no apology can be offered in thus withholding the balance from the heirs of those who labored and toiled in their country's service. The idea of repudiation, which in later years has become far too common, both with the General and State Governments, should receive the withering rebuke of every friend of his country. It is unjust and cruel, and has no other justification than that might overcomes right. In 1784, the General Assembly passed an act, authorizing the ¦manumission of negroes, mulattoes, &c., and provided that no persons, negroes or mulattoes, born in the State after the 1st ^ay of the year 1784, shall be slaves for life. The Assembly also repealed the clause contained in an act passed in 1 774, per mitting slaves brought from Africa to the West Indies, on board any vessel belonging to this their Colony, and that could not be disposed of in the West Indies, to be brought to this State ; and provided that in future no negro or mulatto be brought into this State, to be sold or disposed of as a slave. In 1787, the Legislature of Ehode Island passed an act to prevent the slave-trade from being carried on from this State, 256 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. and for the encouragement of the abolition of slavery altogether within its jurisdiction. We have already alluded to this subject in another part of this work, and have shown that the motive for manumitting the slaves of Ehode Island, was simply that their owners had become convinced that they wore no longer profitable, but a bur den upon them. It was not that there existed more moral purity in Ehode Island, a greater disregard of pecuniary advantage, than was to be found in slaveholding States, that influenced them to this course, but rather that it would be for their inter est to do away with a system which entailed far more misery than good. To the honor of Newport, it has never joined in a crusade against the South, but admitted that the institutions of the South was a matter which belonged exclusively to themselves ; and any interference with their domestic concerns, was illegal, unconstitutional, and subversive of that Union, which it should be tho boundon duty of every American to sustain and to per petuate. A class of men have lately sprung up who have made the dis covery, that the laws of Congress conflict with the " higher law," and that this being the case tho former should be trampled under foot, whUe tho latter should govern man, (only, however, in this particular.) Now, who are those " Simon-pures ?" WiU it bo found on examination that their general conduct is shaped after tho moral law of God ? In this one point they make use of the " higher law," to effect their own selfish purposes, without the least regard to tho principles involved in that law, which if rightfully understood and faithfully executed, would afford scope sufficient for the exercise of their philanthropy, in reliev ing tho wretched aud the oppressed at their own doors, -without turning aside 'to hunt out evUs existing in slaveholding States. That is a question which exclusively belongs to themselves, and with which we of tho North have no right to interfere. The prophetic warning of the " Father of his Country," the immortal Washington, should be regarded with the deepest in terest by every true patriot at the present critical moment, when attempts are making by a class of reckless, unprincipled men, to distract, and divide tho Union, the labor of ages : " The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, FALLACY OP ABOLITIONIS.-VL 257 is also dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pillarin the edifice of yowr real independence— -the support of your tran- quiUity at home, your peace abroad, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains wiU be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth, as this is the point in your poUtical fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies, will be most constantly and actively, though often covertly and insidiously directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your National Union, to your coUective and individual hap piness ; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immove able attachment to it ; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the paUadium of your political safety and pros perity, watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety, dis countenancing whatever may suggest evpn a suspicion that it can in any event bo abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to aUenate any portion of our country from the rest, and to enfeeble the sacred ties which now Unk together the various parts." After the reader has reflected calmly on the sentiments so feelingly uttered by the sainted Washington, he must be horror- struck on witnessing the gross outrages, tho intrigue, and the dupUcity which is practised by poUtical demagogues to effect some sinister purpose. With a self complacency " frorh tho sub lime to the ridiculous," thoy will justify their acts of abomina tion, and still boast of their patriotism and love of country, even while the blush of conscious 'guilt should mantle their cheek But with an effrontery which defies any appeal to reason or jus tice, they wiU arrogantly lay claim to honesty of intention, when it is self evident that not a particle of generosity, nobleness, or patriotism, is to be found in tho olomonLs which go to make up their character. When such sentiments are unblushingly made, 80 repugnant to liberty and tho rights of the Confederacy, viz., let the Union be dissolved, they should meet with a simulta neous burst of indignation from every patriot's bosom. Newport, after having recovered in some degree from tho losses incurred in tho Eevolution, began to push her foreign and domestic commerce. She stiU had many enterprising merchants 258 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. left, of whom wore Gibbs & Channing, who were large ship owners. The Mount Hope, of 600 tons, which at that day was one of the largest class of ships, followed tho East India trade, and made many successful voyages. The East India, West India, and Eussia trade, were prose cuted with vigor, and the docks and wharves indicated a de gree of commercial prosperity highly' gratifying to the inhabi tants. Now was again heard the music of the " yo-heave-ho," from tho active tars who wore loading and unloading the num erous vessels at tho wharves. Christopher and George ChampUn, were merchants of dis tinction, as were also Peleg Clarke, Caleb Gardner, Thomas Dennis, on the Point, Stephen T. Northum, who at one period owned ten sail, Audley Clarke, Christopher Fowler, Price & Easton, Earle & Allston, Eobert Eobinson, Ehodes & Cahoone, Bowen & Ennis, Simon Newton, John Coggeshall, and Gov. Simeon Martin. Those were all engaged in foreign commerce, with many others whom we have not enumerated. There was as much enterprise in Newport, at this period, considering her capital, as that of any commercial place in tho country. In 1820, the tonnage was estimated at 10,950 tons. There was also a sugar-refinery, and seven distilleries in fuU blast, which gave constant employment to mechanics and labor ers, many of whom wore enabled from their savings to build houses, and at the same time to live comfortable. There was also a line of Now York packets, with splendid cabins, handsomely furnished for that day, which did a very profitable business. Commanders and owners — Edward Pe terson, Nicholas Webster, Stephen Cahoono, two Blisses, Ad ams, John Cahoone (afterwards commander of the Eevenue Cutter Vigilant,) &c. Bannister's Wharf, which was then their dep6t, exhibited a degree of acti-vity which some now living can remember with satisfaction and pleasure. There were some five or six packets which ran daily between Newport and Providence. Commanders — Gardner, Heath, Blivon, Northup, Pratt, &c. The honor of bringing the Gover nor to election, when a Federalist or Whig, devolved on Cap tain James Gardner, who took great pride in rendering every attention to his passengers. Bannister's Wharf was also the head-quarters of those packets. At the head of the wharf was THE COFFEE-HOUSE. 259 Godfrey Wenwood's bake-house, noted for the superior qual ity of bread and butter-biscuit with -which it supplied the nu merous packets, and many of the famiUes of the town. In Thames-street, fronting the wharf, was the Coffee- House, then kept by " Uncle Tom Townsend," as he was familiarly oaUed, which was liberally patronized. On tho south side there was a brick walk, enclosed with a light fence, which was a fine promenade; here merchants, masters of vessels, &c., resorted to hear the news, and discuss the affairs of tho nation. The Misses Duncan, from Scotland, kept a toy sho.p, the only one in the place. It was considered quite a curiosity at that day. It stood where BrownoU's tin-shop now stands. Fort-e Adams, Wolcott, and Eose Island, were garrisoned, and the officers, when in town, assembled at Townsend's Comer, for by that cognomen -was it known, until superseded by the name of Pelham-street. Then was hoard from Fort Wolcott the beat of the revoUle, -warbling its sweetest notes alcmg the shore, by those inimitable and graceful performers, the Hoopers, MulU- gin, &c. The town at this period was on the increase ; many houses were built on the hill and in other sections of the town ; and old English hospitality seemed about to revive. The female por tion, at this period, v.'oro highly beautiful and accompUshed. The ceflebration of Washington's birth-day by a ball in the even ing, was then got up in taste, and was graced by the llite and fashion of Newport, which exhibited traces of the elegance of person and the refinement of manners which preeminently char acterized the past. But alas, those days of splendor have fled — fled. In olden time, one of the most pleasant and gratifying amusements was a ride on the Island to Congdon's or Cornell's, speak for ooffee, take a turn round the Square or to the Bridge, and return back in time to enjoy the splendid repast furnished by " mine host." It was no unusual thing to meet there a company of twenty or thirty carriages from Newport, including Sam Place's hack, which was in constant requisition in sum mer; and even at this late period, we remember with delight Aunt Hannah Cornell's " shjovel cakes," floating with new made butter, plum-cake, dried beef, etc., sufficient to satisfy the most deUcate appetite, all furnished for the small sum of twenty-five - DECLARATION OF WAR. 261 erty and the rights of man. This country stood forth, a beacon light, to shame and confound the principles of monarchical forms of government, and she vainly flattered herself that by dividing the North and South, she might yet effect the subjugation of these United States. But if, when we were short of three mil lions of people, and without military resources, we eould drive them from our shores, what possibility existed of their success ? Only, as has been before observed, by dividing the Union. Let Great Britain not imagine, for a moment, that the elements of character which go to make up this confederacy can ever be divided, when a foreign enemy attempts to invade our shores. There may be differences of opinion among ourselves, but when the third party attempts to use their influence, it will be Uke tho quarrels of man and wife — ^both will fall upon her, and drive hor to destruction. There are redeeming traits of character in this nation, which do not exist elsewhere ; and the nations of Europe do not per fectly understand our political institutions. Hence, when con troversy — it may be, angry controversy — exists in our national councUs, as has boon the case of late, they stand ready to be lieve that tho speedy overthrow of this Union is at hand. When we consider, however, that tho principles of our republic originated with men of sterling virtue, of noble patriotism, we have reason to believe that the God of heaven will preserve it from every unhallowed touch, and render this nation an instru ment in Hie hands in the accompliehment of His purposes, in the redemption of the world from a despotism which now holds so large a portion of the great brotherhood of mankind, in its iron grasp. In 1812, the American government formally declared war with Great Britain, when Newport was again exposed to all the apprehensions of being visited by a hostile foe, whose ships of war wore frequently seen during its continuance, hovering round her shores. A memorial -was sent from Newport to the Gene ral Government, setting forth her exposed and defenceless con dition in ease of an invasion. But little regard was paid to it, for we had hardly a corporal's guard frorn the General Govern ment. But fortunately, Newport was not much annoyed by the enemy. Our militia and independent companies were all that Newport had to depend upon for protection, for some time 262 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. after war was declared, the Government ha-ving drawn away tho United States troops stationed in the forts of her harbor. But notwithstanding this impolitic measure, the inhabitants wore resolved to repel any attempts made by the enemy, and their forces wore over ready to repair to their posts, on any alarm. One day, towards evening, the British fleet, which lay but a short distance south of the Island, made demonstrations as though it was their design to enter the harbor. The tele graph, which was erected on high land in tho neck, gave the concerted signal, and the inhabitants of the town were thrown into great consternation. The military were instantly mustered, and with beat of drum, and swords flourishing, and bayonets glistening, they marched by the 2d Baptist Church, who that evening had a lecture, which so terrified the congregation that they immediately broke up. It was quite a busy night, but nobody was hurt. The ships wore about, and stood off to their usual place of rendezvous. The British ships obtained aU the provisions thoy required from the farmers who resided near the shore ; it was impossible for then-i, in their defenceless state, to prevent it. And if they had not sold it to them, they would have taken it by force. Fishing boats~ from Newport were compelled to sell their fish, or have thom taken from them by tho enemy. It is said that they procured the newspapers wet from tho press, by which thoy obtained the weekly inteUigence. Tho principal seat of war lay South, while the North escaped the horrors of war in a great degree. On the 6th of December, the inhabitants of Newport had the pleasure of seeing the British frigate Macedonian arrive in the harbor, a prize to the American frigate United States, Cap tain Stephen Decatur. Her wounded were landed at Coaster's Harbor, and conveyed to the- hospital on the Island ; they re ceived every attention their situation- demanded. At the com mencement of hostiUties, the British blockaded the coast of America — .at first tho southern< coast, but afterwards it extend ed as far north as the east end of Long Island Sound. This gave the ports of Massachusetts and Ehode Island the advan tage of the neutral trade, until the blockade of the whole Amer ican coast. Newport for a whUe enjoyed a large share of the trade, and the arrival and clearances of the neutral vessels, the sale of BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE. 263 their cargoes, &c., gave employment to many of her citizens. The inhabitants of Newport took the precaution to send from the Island the records of the town, made since the revolution. They were deposited with the town of South Kingston, for safe keeping, where- they remained until peace was againproclaimed. The Banks of Newport also removed" their specie from the town. The late Commodore Oliver H. Perry, was a descendant of Thomas Hazard, the first settlor, in tho sixth degree. Eay- mond, father of the Commodore, was the son of Judge Free man Perry, who married the daughter of Oliver Hazard, of South Kingston. Tho Commodore was named after his mater nal groat-grandfather, Oliver Hazard. Commodore Perry had a most expressive and charming countenance, which, added to his graceful form, rendered him an object of admiration. He possessed a noble spirit, a gene rous expansion of soul, and an understanding chaste and refined ; while liberality, gratitude, and generosity, wore the I aspiring virtues of his heart. He took tho most lively interest in the welfare and prosperity of Newport, and through his in fluence, many natives of the town were elevated to posts of honor and distinction. The present Commodore, M. C. Perry, brother of the late naval hero, was born in Newport, Ehode Island. This gallant officer has distinguished himself in the Mexican war, and he alone of the five brothers, OUver H., Eaymond, Alexander, and Nathaniel, aU of tho United States' navy, survives. Wo have aUuded to the pedigree of Commodore Perry, before adverting to his naval career, which so highly distinguished him, and added fresh laurels to his country's glory. In 1813, he left Newport, with a detachment of seamen from the gun boats in the harbor, to take the comrriand of the American squadron on Lake Erie. On the arrival of Capt. Pony at tho lake, there was no squadron there, and it was found that measures must be immediately taken to construct a fleet, which should be able to grapple with the British lion. Capt. Perry had taken with him some ship carpenters from Newport, and such was the rapidity in felling trees, and preparing tho requisite materials, that the work was soon completed, and the vessels ready for service. 264 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. As this was a battle fought, and a -victory won, principally by natives of Newport, it requires a more particular notice. It was on the 10th of September, 1813, when the struggle between tho British and American squadrons fcr the victoj-y, took place. It was a moment of painful anxiety, as, on the issue, very much depended. Tho American squadron consisted of nine vessels, carrying 54 guns ; that of tho British, of six vessels, and 63 guns. There was in all, five hundred and two men in the British squadron, and deducting those on the sick Ust, we know for certainty that there wore four hundred and fifty in health when it went into action. The Americans numbered by tho muster- roll, four hundred and fifty, of whom one hundred and sixteen wore sick on the morning of tho action. Say that sixteen of these sick Americans' came on deck and took part in the battle, it would leave us with one hundred fighting men loss than the British. The circumstances under which the battle was fought, gave to the British the full benefit of their substitution of length of gun for calibre. Perry, before the battle commenced, wont round the dock, carefully examining his battery gun by gun, to see that every thing was in order, stopping at each, and exchanging words with tho captains. For all ho had some pleasant joke, or some expression of oncouragomont. Seeing some of the Constitu tion's, ho said to them, " WeU, boys ! are you ready ?" " AU ready, your honor," was tho brief reply, with a general touch of tho hat. " But I need not say anything to you," he added, " you know how to beat those foUo-ws !" Passing on, with a smile of recognition, ho exclaimed, " Ah, here are the Newport boys ! they wiU do their duty, I warrant." Having mounted on a gun sUde, and calling his crew about him, he thus briefly addressed them : " My brave lads," at tho same time unfurl ing a flag, " this flag contains the last words of Capt. liawrence ! ShaU I hoist it?" " Ay ! ay ! sir!" resounded from every voice in tho ship, and the flag was briskly run up to the main- royal-mast-head of tho Lawrence. . The line of battle was formed at eleven, aud at a quarter before twelve, the enemy's flag-ship. Queen Charlotte, opened a tremendous fire upon tho liuwrence, tho flag-ship of Oommo- BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 265 dore Perry, which was stationed by the latter fuU ten minutes before she could bring her carronades to bear. At length she bore up and engaged the enemy, making signals to tho remain der of tho squadron, to hasten to her support. Unfortunately, the wind was too Ught to admit of a compUance to the order, and she was compeUed to contend, for two hours, with two ships of equal force. By this time the brig had become un manageable, and her crew, excepting four or five, were either kiUed or wounded. WhUe thus surrounded with death, and destruction stiU pouring in upon him, Perry left tho brig, now only a wreck, in an open boat, and heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt to the Niagara, of twenty guns. The wind now rose, and order ing every canvass to be spread, he bore down upon tho enemy, passing the enemy's vessels, Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Laidy Provost on the one side, and the Chippewa and Little Belt on the other, into each of which he poured a broadside ; he at length engaged the Lady Provost, which received so heavy a €re, as to compel her men to retire below. The remainder of the American squadron, now, one after another, arrived, and following tho example of their intrepid leader, now closed in with the enemy, and the battle became general. Three hours finished tho contest, and enabled Perry to an nounce to General Harrison the capture of the whole squadron, which he did in this modest, laconic, and emphatic style, " We have met the enemy, and thoy are ours." The loss in the con test was great, in proportion to the numbers engaged. The Americans had twenty-seven killed, and ninety-six wounded ; but the British loss was still greater, being about two hundred in kiUed and wounded. The following persons, belonging to Newport, were engaged in the battle, viz. : — OFFICERS : Commodore Oliver H. Perry, A. Perry, Daniel Turner, WUUam V. Taylor, Thomas BrowneU, Thomas Almy, Thomas Breeze, Peleg Dunham, Stephen ChampUn. 266 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. PETTY OFFICERS AND SEAMEN : George Cornell, Carpenter, Wilson Mays, ditto's mate, Lemuel Palmer, George Southwick, Joseph Southwick, John Lawton, And many others, not recoUected at this distant period, — AUen, John Coddington, Isaac Peckham, J. PhiUips, Hannibal Colins, colored. Tho above list was furnished tho author by Capt Thomas BrowneU, who, with the others, highly distinguished himself in that memorable battle. There was one individual who kept at a respectful distance in the battle, and that was Commodore Elliott. While Perry- was engaged in tho hottest of the fight, and had to abandon the Lawrence, she having become unmanageable, and all of the crew but four or five either killed or wounded, Elliott labored to pluck the laurels from tho victor's brow, to grace his own ; but his ungontleraanlike course of conduct, only tended to throw him further into the shade, and exalt Commodore Perry in the estimation of his countrymen. ' To show that Commodore Perry was not deceived in the high opinion which ho had formed of tho " Newport boys," we will give an anecdote, taken from the " Life of Commodore 0. H. Perry, by Alex. SlidoU Mackenzie, U.S.N." « There was a young man from Newport, named Wilson Mays, and rated a carpenter's mate. He was much reduced by the lake sickness, and entirely unfit for duty : but, while the crew wore going to quarters he came on dock. He was directed to go below, as being too sick to render service ; but ho remarked, that the vessel was short of men, and 'that he could supply the place of • a. well-man, by sitting on the pumps, where he was stationed, and using tho sounding rod. The poor feUow was kiUed in that situation." On the 4th of October, 1813, a smaU British privateer, called the Dart, which had boon hovering about the harbor of New port, was soon, having in company a ship, a brig, and schooner, which she had detained. The revenue cutter, VigUant, Capt CAPTURE OF A FORT. 267 John Cahoone, was manned with volunteers from Newport, and seamen from the gun-boats, and went ¦ out in pursuit of her. They soon came up with and carried her, after a slight resist ance, and brought her into Newport. The flrst lieutenant of the Dart was killed. The capture of this privateer was un questionably the means of saving a large amount of property from being captured. Tho sloop Providence, a privateer of eight guns, and manned principaUy by citizens from Newport, viz. : John Trevott, Ueutonant, Peleg HuU, saUing master, Edward Clanning, Henry Olanning, John Scranton, &c. In the course of tho war, she captured many valuable prizes ; and, in one of hor cruizes, she entered tho harbor of New Providence, when a detachment of men, under the command of Lieutenant Trevett surprised the fort, and there being but few men in tho garrison, resistance was useless. Scranton at once climbed tho flag-staff, and flung out tho American banner to the breeze. They then dispatched an order to the Governor, to furnish instanter a dinner for thirty officers, or, otherwise, they would turn the guns and batter down the town. The order was quickly complied with, and turtle-soup was one of the dishes provided for the occasion, when the officers regaled themselves to their hearts' content. After remaining in quiet possession of the fort three days, they then spiked the cannon, returned on board, and soon sailed out of the harbor. It was an adroit and gallant movement, con sidering there were but twenty-eight men, all told, engaged in tho enterprise. '' In the War of the Eevolution, Ehode Island furnished more men, in proportion to hor ability, than any of the thirteen ' Colonies. A vessel, called the Wampoa, loaded with French brandy, was driven on the Narragansett shore by a British armed ves sel ; the inhabitants turned out to defend her from the British boats, who were attempting to destroy her. The militia of Narragansett succeeded in saving the cargo, which was brought round to Newport, and sold. A wealthy gentleman purchased a pipe of it, on account of its superior quality. The society of which he was a member, had long considered that he was in the too frequent practice of using alcohoUc drinks ; a committee was accordingly ap- 268 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. pointed to wait on him, and labor to persuade him to cease from the evil and pernicious habit. He received them with all that courtesy which distinguished the gentleman, and as the day was unusually cold, and they had rode quite a distance, he very soon ordered his servant to bring in some of tho " Wam poa." Thoy partook of it very lightly, but soon the effect was quite visible, and thoy forgot entirely the object of their mis sion. At the next annual meeting there was a gift of $100, which acted as a quietus, and the gentleman died in full fellow ship with tho society. In December, the President of the United States, in a message to Congress, says, " Tho tendency of our commercial and navigation laws, iu their present state, to favor tho enemy, and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by experience. Supplies of tho most essential kind find their way, not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the armies in our neighborhood, with which our own are contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a subsistence attainable with difficulty, if attainable at all from other sources. Even the fleets and troops infesting our coasts and waters, are by Uke supplies accommodated, and encouraged in their peda- tory andincursive warfare." Much of this was to be attributed to the want of action, on the part of the Federal Government, in not placing the coast in a proper state of defence. It has been already remarked, that if the people had not disposed of. their produce, for a proper equivalent, that the enemy would have taken it by force. An embargo was immediately laid by Congress on aU vessels, except neutrals, which were permitted to depart, pro vided they carried nothing with them but sea stores. The embargo at once suspended all business, and the streets of Newport wore a sad and gloomy appearance. On the 30th of May, 1814, a Swedish brig, from St Barts, attempting to violate tho blockade, was chased on shore by the British armed brig, Nimrod, in the East Passage, on Smith's Beach. The next morning the Nimrod came to anchor about a mile from tho shore, and sent a barge to set fire to the brig, which thoy effectually accompUshed. Whether they sustained any loss of life, -w'as not exactly known. Every exertion was made by the militia of Middletown, the artiUery company of OCCUPATION OP FORT GREEN. -269 Newport, under the command of Colonel Fry, and a detachment of seamen from the United States flotilla, to prevent it; but having nothing but smaU arms with them, their efforts wore ineffectual. It would have been far more politic to have taken tho brass field-piece belonging to the ArtiUeiy Company, the night previous, and thrown up a breast-work which would have prevented the success of the enemy. Tho Nimrod fired about 200 cannon-balls, one of which killed Mr. John Smith of the Middletown militia, took off the leg of Isaac Basset, a seaman belonging to the flotiUa, and knocked down Oliver Wood. The skiU and nerve of Doctor William Turner, was displayed on this occasion, when the chicken-heart of another had failed. He in a -very few moments amputated and dressed the log of , Basset, proving his superiority as a surgeon. The boys who had a.ssemblod ou the beach would, the very moment the shot struck, commence digging tbem out of the sand, and some made a profitable day's work of it, for Greene Burroughs was ready to cash them. A few days previous to this, the barges of the Nimrod had chased two sloops on shore in the east passage ; but the militia of. Little Compton having assembled in considerable numbers, . they -Wore prevented from taking possession of thom. The sloops were got off, and proceeded up the river. , In June, 1814, the General Assembly passed an act author izing the Town CouncUs of the several seaport towns to cause the shipping to be removed from, their wharves and harbors, whenever by them it should be thought advisable. The Town CouncU of Newport accordingly, ordered the shipping to bere- moyed, lest it should be an inducement for the enemy to visit Newport. In July, 1814, the ArtiUery Company of tho town of New port, under command of Col, Benjamin Pry, took possession of Fort Green, at the north end of Washington-street,, on the Point, by order of the United States Government, The com pany, rank and file, numbered about one hundred and fifty men. CoL- Fry was to have the entire command of the fort, and the company to be under the control of the Governor of tho State. While the company were in possession of tho fort, the^ kept it in fine order; the parade ground was gravelled, &c., by the labor of the company, and thoy were ready to defend the town hi case of invasion. 270 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. DARTMOOR PRISON. In the course of the war of 1812, one of the sons of Capt Evan Malborn, was taken prisoner by the British and confined in Dartmoor prison. He wished the keeper to take a note to Lord Stanhope ; the keeper seemed greatly surprised at his presumed acquaintance with so illustrious a personage ; without condescending to enter into particulars, he urged the forward ing of the note, which was complied with, and on its reception Lord Stanhope repaired to the prison with all possible haste, in his State carriage, attended by his servants in Uvery, when orders were instantly issued for tho liberation of Mr. Malbora from confinement. Having lost his all, he stood in need of pecuniary aid, which was quickly furnished by Lord Stanhope, who placed at his dis posal fifty guineas, in order that he might clothe himself in a manner becoming his rank and as a relative of his wife. He was then taken to his princely mansion, where he tarried for a few weeks, enjoying tho munificent hospitality of the noble Lord. When the period for his leaving had arrived, funds were furnished, and a free passport granted him to America. They were chased by a British man-of-war, and in the confu sion ho forgot his passport, the vessel was run on shore, and he at last arrived home, ha-ving, however, again lost his aU, which a moment's thought might have prevented. Lord Stanhope's bust still occupies a place over the mantle-piece in tho Malborn house, now owned and occupied by James E. Newton, Esq. The entrance to the harbor was also garrisoned about this time, by tho enUsted State Corps, under command of Col. John Wood, father of Dr. Wood of the U. S. Army. These posts were occupied until the proclamation of peace. Provisions, in the time of the war, were extravagantly high ; flour sold for $15 00 per barrel, meal $2 00 per bushel, molas ses $2 00 per gaUon, sugar and coffee 2s. per lb., and so in pro portion with aU articles of merchandize. The difficulty of obtain ing every kind of articles, owing to the coast being so completely blockaded, was one groat cause of the high price of provi sions. As there was little or nothing doing in Newport, during SUCCESS OF THE WAR. 271 a great part of the war, it rendered the condition of the laboring classes very trying. Newport had every reason to wish for the termination of a war so injurious to hor commercial prosperity. .On the 14th of February, 1815, the joyful news of peace was proclaimed by the merry peal of beUs, the roar of cannon, and the display of the military. In the evening, a most splendid and general illumination of the town took place, and a display of paper lanterns with emblematic devices, suspended in the streets, which, notwithstanding the great quantity of snow that had fallen, were thoroughly promenaded by nearly aU the inhabi tants of the place. This war, though of short duration, was signalized by many splendid victories, both by land and sea, and proved that Great Britain was not invincible. Having been so long mistress of the ocean, she felt an assurance that she should bo able to sweep tho ocean of everything that floated, and capture our vessels of war, whenever fortune should throw them in hor way. But in this she was most egrogiously disappointed. The victories of HuU, Decatur, Porter, and Jones, on the ocean, and Perry and Lawrence on the lakes, evidenced to the British, that they had an enemy to compete with, who proved themselves their superiors. The arrogance of tho EngUsh nation has never been equalled ; assuming to control the destinies of the world, she looked on this growing republic with jealousy, and flattered her self that she might yet bo able to humiblo her pride, and subject her to British domination. At a meeting of the merchants, manufacturers, ship-owners, and underwriters, in the city of Glasgow, in 1814, it was de clared by them : " There is reason to believe, in tho short space of twenty-four months, above eight hundred vessels have been captured by a po-wer whose maritime strength wo have hitherto • held in contempt. The number of privateers that infest our coast, and the audacity with which thoy approach our shores, and their success, is humiliating to our pride." And they fur ther say : " Our nation have declared the whole coast of Ame'rica in blockade, and it is mortifying that our ships cannot traverse our own channels in safety. Insurance cannot be effected, but at an excessive premium." The war of 1812, demonstrated to tho British Government our maritime power, and that it was a fruitiess attempt to labor 272 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. • to overcome us, and we trust that England will learn a wise les son from tho past,^and never again attempt to come in coUision with America, whose power is gigantic, and whose overthrow is impossible.Ehode Island can justly boast of having furnished a Greene for her country, in the war of the Eevolution, who in rank and generalship, was second to none, save the immortal Washington himself And tho war of 1812, brought forth aud contributed to hor country's glory, the mighty energies of her gallant Perry. Mr. Hunter, who was then Senator to Congress from Ehode Island, in a speech iu the Senate of the United States, on the resolutions complimentary of Commodore Perry's victory, said : "While I hold in my hand this resolution expressive of a nation's gratitude toward this youthful Ehode Island hero, for his deliv erance of tho West, I can point tho other to tho Ukoness of that iUustrious Ehode Island veteran, (alluding to the likeness of Gen. Greene, in tho Senate,) who in tho sacred war of tho Eevo lution, saved tho South, and accelerated and ascertained the in dependence of his country." The sentiments expressed by Mr. Hunter were truly patri otic, evincing his love of country, and that ho gloried in the suc cess of tho American arms over a foreign enemy. The briUiant career of Commodore Perry was short. He died in the 34th year of his ago, August 23d, A. D., 1819, on board tho U. S. schooner. Nonsuch, at the moment the schooner was entering the harbor of Port Spain, in tho island of Trini dad. He died of the yellow fever, contracted at Angostura, where he had been transacting business for our Government. His remains were interred on the 24th, at Port Spain, with every mark of respect from Sir Ealph Woodford, Governor of Trinidad, aud the inhabitants of the place. The body was landed from the John Adams, where it had been removed from tho schooner, under a salute of minute guna from that ship. When it reached the shore, the Fort of St Andrews continued the ceremony, until the long procession, ac companied by tho band of the 3d West India regiment, playing tho dead march in Saul, reached the burial place. After the funeral, the following card was pubUshed by the American offi cers : " The officers of the United States vessels, John Adams and VIOLENT GALE. / 273 Nonsuch, tender 'their grateful acknowledgments to the inhabi tants of Port Spain, for their kind and respectful attention to the funeral rites bestowed on the body of their late Commander, Commodore Perry." The disposition manifested by aU classes, was highly in uni son with their feelings, and merited their warmest thanks. Commodore Perry, at the time of his death, was engaged in executing the duties of a " highly flattering command, involv ing diploinatic and naval functions of critical nicety and impor tance." President Monroe, in his message to Congress in De cember following, referring to several acts and orders for the protection of our commerce, and the suppression of the slave trade, says, " In tho execution of the duty imposed by these acts, and of high trust connected with it, it is with deep regret I have to state the loss which has been sustained by tho death of Commodore Perry. His gaUantry in a briUiant exploit in the late war, added to the renown of his country ; his death is deplored as a national misfortune." Tho remains of Commodore Perry arrived at Newport from •Trinidad, in tho sloop of war Lexington, and were landed on Overing's Wharf, on Monday, Nov. 27, 1826, and on the foUow ing Monday, Dec. 4th, -wore interred in the common burial place, with the honors due to his rank and character. The mil itary companies of Providence, Pawtucket, and Bristol, attend ed tho procession with the companies of Newport. The Gov ernor, and other officers of tho State, with several distinguished naval and miUtary officers, wore present, and the vast assem blage of citizens testified their respect to the character of their fellow-townsman. Tho State of Ehode Island has since erect ed a monument in honor of the memory of this lamented and gaUant officer. The 23d of September, 1815, was rendered memorable by a most awful aud destructive gale, which swept away and laid ptostrate almost everything in its course. The Newport Mer cury says : "The gale commenced earlyin the morning, at north east, and continued increasing in violence, the -wind varying from northeast to southeast, and southwest, until about eleven o'clock, when it began to abate, and about one o'clock tho danger from tho wind and tide was over." At Newport, tho tide rose throe feet and a half higher than it had ever been known before 274 ' HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Two dwelUng houses, and nine stores and workshops, on , the Long Wharf, wore swept away by the violence of the wind and tumult of the waves ; and those that withstood tho power of this desolating scourge, were rendered almost untenable, by vessels, lumber, &c., driving against them. Several of the stores carried away, contained a considerable amount of pro perty, nearly the whole of which was lost. In one of the buildings carried away on the Long Wharf, five persons perished. Tho wharves on the Point, and most of the stores with thom, were swept away. The wharves in other parts of the to-wn, also, with the stores on them, sustained con siderable injury, and everything moveable on tho wharves was swept away. In some of the stores, the water was four feet deep. A large throe-story store, containing hemp, flour, &c., was lifted from its foundation, and floated into the harbor. The steeples of the 1st and 2nd Congregational churches were par tially blown down, and the roofs of the Episcopal and First Con gregational churches wore partly carried away. At tho Beach, the storm was sublimely awful ; the sea broke sixty feet, extend ing to Easton's pond. Mr. John Irish, who had repaired to the beach to secure his boats and seines, was swept away and per ished. The stone bridge, connecting the Island with Tiverton on the main, was damaged to the amount of $20,000, and rendered wholly impassable. The draw and toll-house wore carried away; a now channel, about three hundred feet wide, was made at tho West end of the bridge, and where the tollhouse had stood, tho water was thirty feet deep at low tide. The Ught-house ou Point Judith was swept away, with several other houses in its vicinity. The Ehode Island Eepublican says : " So great and general has boon the devastation of property, that it is found impossible to give a correct account of the ex tent of the damage." After the storm, it was found that the outside of windows were covered with a fine salt, conveyed from the ocean through the air. This was also noticed for many miles inland, after the gale. The shipping in the harbor were driven from their an chorage, and went ashore. Some lying at the wharves, were lifted on them by the violence of the wind and tide, and left INSTITUrfONS CSIEDITAB-LS TO TWE TOWN. 275 there. Four sloops were thrown on the Long Wharf, and a sloop load,ed with wood went over tho wharf into the cove. No one, unless they had been a spectator of tho scene, oould form an adequate conception of its widespread desolations. If the tide had not turned as it did, it would have swept everything before it INSTITUTIONS HIGHLY CREDITABLE TO THE TOWN. There have been many impiH^v-Smonts made in and about Newport, of late years, and there are se^'eral flourishing insti tutions, highly creditable to the town. Among them the Sav ings' Bank, the Asylum for the Poor, and the Public Schools stand the most prominent. Tho Savings' Bank of Newport was incorporated by Charter granted by the General Assembly at the June session, 1819, and went into operation soon after. It is a singular circumstance that the success of similar estab lishments in other places, induced a philanthropic citizen to pro cure every information necessary for the establishment of a Sa-vings' Bank in Newport ; when, by an article pubUshed in one of tho newspapers of the town, he invited those who w.ore incUned to favor the undertaking, to meet at the State House, and take the subject into consideration. At this meeting, ten or twelve persons only assembled; they ohoso a chairman and secretary, and the information that had been received was com municated. A committee of correspondence was appointed to obtain further information from similar establishments, and the meeting adjourned. I'here were several subsequent meetings, at which not more than six or seven persons, including the -chairman and clerk, attended. At these meetings, the commit tee of correspondence reported progress, and the meeting was adjourned from time to time, until the charters, by-laws, &c., of several institutions of the kind had been received, and every necessary information obtained and reported by the committee of correspoBdenco. A committee of throe was then appointed to draft a charter for the Savings' Bank of Newport, and a pe tition to the General Assembly to pass an act granting it, and. a committee was appointed to obtain signatures to the petition, 276 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. and present it to General Assembly. Notice was given in the papers when tho next meeting would be held, and the object of it ; and all who wore favorable to the project were invited to attend. This caused a meeting of a considerable number of citizens who were favorable to the undertaking, but who had not before attended the meetings. Thoy were pleased with the plan, and the progress made in tho establishment, and joined heartily in its support. At this period, a number of the Directors of the Banks in Newport came for-«'ard, ami used every argument in their power to persuade those who origina ted the project, aud those who had united with them, to aban don it — assigniug aa a reason, that there would not be sufficient deposited to render it profitable. The charter was granted, and at the first meeting of the Corporation, twenty-four Direc tors were chosen, all of whom, except one, accepted tho appoint ment At a subsequent meeting of tho Directors, thoy elected a President, and appointed a Treasurer and Secretary, and the Savings' Bank of Newport went into operation. At the first m'eoting of the Board, more than $1,000 had been deposited. Since its establishment, hundreds of thousands of doUars have boon deposited, and occasionally withdrawn with interest, by depositors. At this time, September, 1850, the number of de posits are neAone thousand (nine hundred and eighty-six), and the amount in deposits is $163,395. The depositors are chiefly minors, girls out at service, laborers, seamen, and operatives in the manufactories, saved from their earnings. The money de posited is invested in bonds and mortgage on real estate, and in bank stock. The interest on the sum now in deposit amounts, at 6 per cent,, to over $9,800 per year. The institution, since its establishment, has never paid less than 5 per cent, interest per annum, to tho depositors. At this time, and for some time past, a semi-annual di-vidend is declared, of 3 per cent on aU sums that have been in three months after a dividend has been declared ; that which is not called for is, at tho end of three months, added to the sum deposited by each depositor. The institution is well managed, and has attained a high reputation The philanthropic citizen who first proposed its establishment, is a descendant from one of tho ancient families of Newport, born before the Revolution, being now near eighty years of age. ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 277 He was chosen as one of the first Directors of the Bank, and has been annually reelected from that time to the present. THE ASYLUM FOR THE POOR This is an establishment worthy of commendation and praise, as a humane institution, highly creditable to the town. The former Poor establishment was, for many years, an alms house and work-house connected. It was located on tho west side of the common burying ground, where the abject poor, the lame, the blind, and the insane were sent by tho overseers of tho poor. Those who were able to do something towards their support, were employed (by the keeper appointed by the town) in the work-house, in spinning, picking oakum, &c. To those whose feeUngs of humanity induced them occasionally to visit the establishment, the inmates always complained of Ul fare, and of not having sufficient food. Be this as it may, they were meanly clad, and all who were sent there went stricken with the idea that their next removal would bo to the adjacent burial ground. A part of those who were able to hobble out, wore allowed daily, except Sundays, to roam the streets in their rags, and the town was constantly, to its disgrace, infested with beg gars, to the groat annoyance of the citizens and visiting stran gers. Those poor who could partly support themselves by their labor, were aUowed pensions by the town, of from fifty cents to a doUar a week, to aid them in their support, which, together with the alms-house expenses, occasioned a heavy tax on the people, of which they complained, but know not how to remedy. It was for many years in contemplation to alter and improve the plan of the establishment for the poor, and the mode of their support Many plans v^'ere suggested from time to time, but none that met with general approbation ; they were generally objected to, as being more expensive in their erection and support than the town could afford. At length, the same phUanthropic and humane citizen who first proposed the establishment of the Savings' Bank, and who by his perse verance had got it into successful operation, encouraged by tho Cuvor with which it had been received by the public, after ob- 278 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. taining information in regard to the establishments- for thepoor, and the manner and expense of their support, in various places, communicated the information obtained to those acquaintances who were favorable to an improvement in tho condition of the poor, and proposed a plan which was approved. It was pro posed that a no-w house should be built for the accommodation of tho poor, in a suitable location, with land attached, on which those -n'ho were able to work might be profitably employed ; to do away with the odious idea of an alms-house ; to- caU it "The Newport Asylum for the Poor" ; to abolish the pension system, and oblige all who required aid from the town to go to the Asylum for their support. This plan being arranged, a Town Meeting was called,, at which it was submitted for the consideration of the freemen ; the meeting was numerously attended, and the plan was gene^ raUy approved, and a committee appointed to visit several lots belonging to the town, and also Coaster's Harbor Island, -and to recommend such a location fss, they should think most suitable for the establishment. The committee, at the suggestion of the projector of tho plan, first visited Coaster's Harbor Island, and after considering the advantages and disadvantages of the place, unanimously recom mended it, on every account, as the most suitable place for its location. At a subsequent Town Meeting, the report of the committee was received and approved, and a building committee appointed to draw a plan of said building, and estimate the oxpaaso. The edifice was to be built of stone, of which there was abundance on the spot. The projector of the plan was one of that com mittee, and drew the plan and elevation of the Asylum, which the Town adopted, and according to which it was erected, with the exception of the cupola, which was objected to as an un necessary expense, but has since been added. Tho plan of the building is considered admirably calculated for the purpose for which it was intended, containing every necessary apartment for the accommodation of the poor, as well as tho family of the keeper, and ample room for the whole. Coaster's Harbor Island, on which the Newport Asylum is erected, belonged to tho Town ; it contains about, ninety acres of upland, and the shore affords an abundance of sea manure. ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 279 Those who are able to labor are employed upon the farm, which is in a good state of cultivation, and the products go far towards the support of the establishment. The island is situated about one mile north of the compact part of the town, and separated from it by water, which is not fordable, about ton rods wide, which prevents the inmates of the Asylum from visiting the town without permission. The Asylum was completed, and ready for tho reception of the poor in 1822 ; before their removal to their now habitation, they wore well cleaned, and clad, and left their dirt at tho old estabUshment. The pension system was abolished, and all those pensioners, who chose to avail themselves of tho support offered them, were removed to the new establishment. The citizens of Newport have the pleasure to enjoy tho complete success of the now system, as an amelioration of the condition of the poor, as well as a groat saving of expense in their sup port ; and to see them well supplied with wholesome food, comfortably lodged and clothed, and the town relieved from the disgrace of having the streets infested with beggars, as formerly, to the groat scandal of the citizens and annoyance to strangers. No spot can be more charmingly situated than the one selected ; it rather resembles the country-seat of a gentleman, than an Asylum for the poor. Let tho interior resemble the exterior. As this Asylum was established expressly for tho improve ment of the condition of tho virtuous poor, the vicious and the unprincipled should be kept separate, and not suffered to asso ciate with them, or to eat at the same table. Let the Com missioners labor to make this institution a model, worthy of imitation by every city and town in the country. The whole establishment, including land, is worth about $15,000. The Overseer of the Poor distributes the rent of a Iqt of land, containing about seven acres, left by Mr. Freebody, and also the interest of the " Derby Fund," to such persons as he may think proper. And, the Commissioners of tho Asylum distribute, in the same way, the dividends of one share in tho New England Commercial Bank, left by the late Mrs. Sarah Eedwood. 280 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Wo have already alluded to the interest which was taken by the town of Newport, in the promotion of education, as early as 1640 ; and private schools have ranked as high in this place as that of any section of the country. The Newport Academy, Col. Levi Tower, Principal, had a very extensive popularity. Students from tho South, as well as the Now England States, were to bo found under his iustruc tion and guidance. The higher, as well as the common branches of education were taught. In penmanship the pupils excelled. Many of thom are occup3ang places in counting- houses, banks, &c., in the various cities in the Union. Once a week, tho older male scholars engaged in declamation, at which their parents, and other spectators were present, and who were both highly amused and gratified. It is no flattery to say of Col. Tower, that the school under his supervision, has never been excelled, if equalled, by any other in the State. It was the ne plus ultra I In March, 1825, tho freemen of Newport decided, by vote, to ostabUsh free schools in tho town ; and a Committee, in May following, recommen-ded to erect two school houses, to obtain tho Church school house, and thus establish three free schools in the town. In 1820, a Committee of the town reported on a resolu tion of the General Assembly of this State, caUing on the several towns for information on the subject of free schools, and recommended that the town instruct, their representatives in General Assembly, to unite their efforts, to procure an act for such a general system of public schools, as in their wisdom ,they may devise. On the 14th of July, 1826, the corner stone of tho town school house. No. 1, was laid by Lioutonant-Goverpor Charlps CoUins. The Eev. Mr. Gammell offered an appropriate prayer on the occasion. ^ A Committee was appointed in April, 1826, to investigate and enquire into money, said to bo duo from tho town, for or on account of school, lands. In their report they say, " The undersigned, a Committee of said town, appointed on the 3d of REPORT ON SCHOOL LANDS. 281 s September, 1825, to inquire into the evidence of tho titie of the town of Newport to the Newtown, or school lands-; on the sub ject of which lands a former Committee reported on the 16th of May last, from which report, and other representations then made, some of the freemen were induced to believe that the town received the aforesaid land as a gift, on condition to apply the whole income to the education of the youth of said town, and that the -town was, in law and equity, bound for the faith ful performance of the same ; and as the town had sold most of the lands in question soon after the Eevolutionary War, to pay the debts of the town, thoy must now make good by taxation the trust committed to them by tho donor. It -was also reported by that Committee, that the town was indebted to said education fund, in the sum of $51,283 34." The Com mittee, after dotaUing sundry acts and resolutions of the town, relative to said Newtown or school lands, gleaned from the old mutUated records of the town, among which is a report of a Committee made to the town in 1763, which Committee say, " Upon examining the town records, we found that the said land was purchased by the town of one Bartholomew Hunt, the 17th day of December, 1661, for which they gave him in exchange a lot of one hundred acres, now lying in Middletown." They say, "Thus it appears that tho town, in the year 1661, exchanged one hundred acres for the tract since caUod New town, or school land, beiqg tho property in question. If your Committee were allowed in any conjecture respecting the hundred acres exchanged, thoy submit the subjoined extract, from ' Callender's Centenary Sermon,' acknowledging at the same time, that it is but a connection of remote and detached circumstances, resting as much on possibilities as probabilities." The extract from Callender's Sermon has been already noticed, in a former part of this -«'ork, showing that the town appro priated one hundred acres of land, for a school, for the encou ragement of the poorer sort to train up their youth in learning, &o., at an early period of tho settlement. In March, 1827, the town passed an act to establish a School Fund, and appointed three Commissioners of said fund ; one to go out every year, and a now one to be chosen in his place, who are to receive all donations and bequests thereafter given for public schools, as also the bequest of the late Constant 282 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Tabor ; likewise all moneys received for licenses, auction tax, and estates taken by the town for want of known heirs ; and directed that the remainder of the said Newtown lot be sold, and the proceeds placed in tho fund. During the January session of 1829, thoGoneral Assembly of Ehode Island, appropriated $10,000 per ann., for the support of public schools, to be pqid over to tho several towns, according to their respective population, under the age of sixteen years ; and authorizing the several towns to raise by 'tax, in each year, as tho majority of the freemen in Town Meeting shaU judge proper, a sum not exceeding double the amount to be received out of tho general Treasury. Tho number of schools have since been increased. On July 4th, 1826, Major John Handy read the Declaration of Independence, from the stops of the State House, in New port, that being the place where, fifty years before, it was read to the people by tho same gentleman. Tho stops were deco rated with an arch of flowers. Major Handy addressed the multitude as follows : " My respected fellow-citizens, — at your united request, I appear before you in this public station, at an age when it would seem advisable that I should remain a silent spectator of tbe performances of this day, a day which, half a century past, secured to us our indopondonce and prosperity ; and no nation more prosperous ! My own feeUngs on this occasion I have sacrificed, to gratify^ your wishes. The recol lection of past scenes of tho last fifty years, rushes in succession on my mind, with a hope and belief that the mantle of charity will bo thrown over my imperfections ; and under that impres sion I shaU proceed to the performance of the part required of mo." After the Declaration was road, a hymn was sung in the tune of " Old Hundred," the whole multitude uniting their voices, with a fervency and zeal which gave it a most sublime and happy effect It is a most painful truth, and one from which the heart recoils with horror, that tho course which has been pursued for a few years by a certain class, calling themselves Philanthro pists, has had an indirect tendency to nearly, or quite, oblite rate from the mind of the rising generation, all remembrance of the glorious events connected with American Independence. Such profess to have the entire monopoly of all the benevolence. OUR NATIONAL JUBILEE. 283 but which is rather the product of ambition, a desire of self- aggrandizement even at the expense of the Uberties of the Union. The roar of cannon, accompanied with tho soul-stirring sound of marti-al music, animating tho heart of every true patriot, who loves liberty in pi^ferenco to slavery, and the free exorcise of his mind to aU the vain honors and distinctions which wealth confers, if purchased by the relinquishment of his inalienable I rights, dearer by far to him than even life itself — ^has no charms for such stoical minds. We have no hesitation in saying that the aboUtion of the Christian Sabbath, would not more effectively efface from the heart aU regard to the precepts of Jesus Christ, and render the land a waste howUng wUderness, and the people mere heathens, than the forgotfulness and neglect of observing the national jubilee, would go to the overthrow of the liberties of this coun try. It is by a recurrence to the event that the flame of liberty is fanned and made to burn more brightly on the altar of the heart. Auspicious day ! let the mind of every American ascend to heaven in triumphant songs of praise ! Lot tho bugle sound loud and long, through the vaUies and reverberate over the hills of our dear native Isle : " Independence now ! and Independ ence forever !" No day in the calendar ever gave us such intense deUght, as the Fourth of July, when party spirit becomes merged in the one glorious event. It was the social meeting of the American brotherhood on the broad pljJtform of universal liberty and the rights of man. But in some sections how changed the scone 1 Shall tho political horizon continue to bo dimmed by one cloud to mar the fosti-vities of the day ? Eather lot us regard the -views entertained by the elder Adams, the Colossus of Ameri can Uberty, and not suffer his prophetic language to fail of its accompUshment : " When we are in our graves, our children will honor it. Thoy will celebrate it with thanksgiving, with festi-vity, with bonfires, and Uluminations. On its annual return they will shed tears, copious, gushing tears, not of subjection and slavery, not of agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude, and of joy." Let us prize this bulwark of constitutional Uberty, and dis countenance every attempt to undermine its foundation, in which consists our glory, our happiness and our independence. 284 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Major John Handy was a merchant of Newport. He was tho son of Charles Handy, Esq., a distinguished citizen of New port. He entered the Eevolutionary army, to defend the honor of his country, and was promoted to the rank of Major. He died in Newport in 1828, aged 72 years. The late 'Thomas Handy, Esq., brother of tho Major, was a gentleman of dignified and courteous manners. Ho married Mary, the daughter of John Henry Overing, an eminent mer chant of Newport. Mrs. Handy was truly a most estimable lady, endowed with those rare virtues and accomplishments which rendered hor an ornament to society. Of a large and highly interesting family of children, but four survive her. Mary, who married hor cousin, James Overing, of Westchester, N. Y. ; Matilda, widow of Mr. Levi of PhUadelphia; Eobert, of the U. S. Na-vy ; and Augustus, the wife of Mr. Sinclair of the city of New- York, a Counsellor at Law. Those reminiscences, though highly interesting in their char. actor, yet nevertheless recall to mind solemn and affecting thoughts on tho ravages produced by time, in the domestic cir cle, and should teach a salutary lesson of tho fading and transi tory nature of all earthly glory. As the Haudy family held an important position in society, and was highly regarded, a mere glance at their history wo view as important in a work of this kind. General Charles T. James, whose recent election to tho Sen ate of tho United States has created such an unusual degree of interest in the public mind, stands intimately and prominently connected with Newport, and we have felt called upon to notice his origin. His grandfather John James, and his maternal grandfather, Charles TiUinghast, soltlod in Newport at an early period. His grandfather Tillinghast, was a devoted patriot ; he was in Sulli van's expedition on Ehode Island, and was subsequently seized in his house at night by a band of British soldiers, and carried off. His sad fate was never satisfactorily known ; it was, how ever, reported that ho had died of the smaU pox. Silas James, the father of the General,, was born in Newport, and although a lad, was also in the expedition with his grand father ; ho afterwards removed to West Greenwich, -where he improved a farm, atod was repeatedly elected to represent that THE ASIATIC CHOLERA. 285 town in General Assembly, and was also chosen Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which office he held for many years. There were six of the name of James, engaged in Sullivan's expedition, which proves them to have been men of the right stamp, and eminently fitted for that stormy period. - In 1827, the Newport Association of Mechanics and Manu facturers, appointed a committee to receive donations in books, or otherwise; for the purpose of establishing a library for the use of the members, and the apprentices of members. For more than thirty years the funds of this Society, although never ex- tensivo,'have been invariably and zealously devoted to the most beneficial purposes. This Association, as far as its resources would permit, has clothed the naked, fed the hungry, and in structed the ignorant. It has ever been rich in disposition to do good, given to hospitality, and distributing to the necessities of tbe indigent. i THE ASIATIC CHOLERA. The Asiatic Cholera made its first appearance in August, at Jessore, a considerable city about one hundred miles north of Calcutta. After desolating some of the fairest portions of Asia, it penetrated tho northern part of Europe, and sweeping over a great part of that continent, reached the British Isles. It has mastered every variety of climate, has passed mountains and swept over seas, proving equally fatal amid the burning sands of Arabia, and on the frozen shores of the White sea ; and in the space of less than fifteen years has swept off more than fifty miUions of the human race ! This dreadful disorder, two or three years previous to its appearance on this continent, was scarcely kno"wn to exist by a great portion of the American people. It first began to attract attention here, when it was known to have reached England, and its destructive ravages inParis' created alarm ; but tho hope "Was entertained that the Atlantic would prove a barrier to its approach. But when that barrier was passed, and it was known that this destroying angel had begun its march of death on this continent, a general consternation prevaUed through the land. 286 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. It soon reached Albany and New-York, , from Canada, and shortly spread dismay and death among tho inhabitants of many of our cities. At the June Session of the General Assembly of Ehode Island of that year, they recommended a pubUc fast. The pre amble of the act says : " Whereas, That scourge to the human race, the Asiatic Cholera, has made its appearance on this continent, and as no human exertions can effectually resist the approach of this threat ening pestilence which ' walketh in darkness and wasteth at noon day,' it becometh us humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence upon, and to implore the aid of Him in whose hand our breath is, and whose mercies endureth forever ; there fore, " Eesolved, that Thursday, the 5th day of July next, be, and is hereby sot apart, as a day of humiUation and prayer to Almighty God, that ho would stay this plague, and avert the appalling -visitations of his judgments." Newport was remarkably favored ; but few deaths occurred, and those originated from imprudence. And it was remarked that the health of our cities, other than this disorder, was better than what is usually the case at tho same season of the year. In 1849, when this disease again made its appearance in this country, sweeping off very many in our larger cities, not one instance of death from the disease occurred at Newport. And when it is considered that there were some four thousand stran gers visiting at Newport, which, added to her own population, made the aggregate of 13,000, it is most certainly an evidence of the remarkable healthiness of the cUmate. Tho present population of the Island, according to the census of 1850, is 12,228, viz. : Newport, 9,963; Middletown, 832, and Portsmouth, 1,833. The fertility of the Island is, perhaps, un exampled ; this is owing, in a great measure, to the facilities for obtaining manure, which consists of Menhaden fish and sea- weed, which are abundant, and which seem particularly adapted to the soil. The exports have consisted of potatoes, onions, apples, pork, &c. Farms distant from Newport, are usually from one hundred to one hundred and fifty doUars per acre, according to their location and tho quality of the soil. The farms generally are small, ha-ving been cut up and ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 287 divided from time to time. This, however, is preferable, as a few acres, well cultivated, wUl yield far more than a larger quantity, partially cultivated. It was the saying of Virgil, " great farms to look at, and smaU farms for profit." As an iUustration of this truth, it may be found in the proceeds of the model farm of the late Judge Child, of Portsmouth, which contains about forty acres of land. It was stated to the author, that he had realized $1000 per annum, independent of his Uving. Farming is a most honorable employment, and the most inde pendent which can possibly be followed. It is said that when the early Eomans praised a good man, they called him an agri culturist and a good husbandman ; and that on a certain occa sion, when a distinguished citizen of Eome was visited by a for eign atabassador, he was found cooking his repast of vegetables raised by his own hand from his seven acre farm. It must appear obvious to the mind which has given the least attention to the subject, that more land is hold in possession than is scientifically cultivated, and which is rather an expense than a profit to tho owner. If the farms on the Island were stiU subdi-vided and parcelled out, it would not only increase the population, but also bo far more productive, as there would be less land to manure, and a greater attention bestowed on the subject. Those seeking a country-place, may take for their creed, that Man wants but little land below, Nor wants that little dear. The town of Portsmouth, a few years since, purchased a farm containing about sixty acres of land, as an Asylum for the Poor. It is most delightfully located, and every necessary comfort is furnished the inmates, which their condition requires. It was an act highly creditable to the town, as it went to ameUorato the evils of poverty, to which all are exposed in this world of ¦vicissitude and change. Dyre's Island lays nearly opposite the Asylum. Since penning these thoughts, we have met with the Eoport of Thomas E. Hazard, Esq., on " The Condition of the Poor and Insane in Ehode Island," in which he has presented a most melancholy picture of the treatment of the poor in the Ports mouth Asylum. For the honor of the town, if such be the pain- 288 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. ful fact disclosed, we would indulge the hope that an ameliora tion of their condition may at once bo effected. Let it not be said, that in the nineteenth century, and more especiaUy on the island of Ehode Island, where toleration has been so highly enjoyed, that a want of principle exists towards a class of unfortunate beings, who have such strong claims on our sympathy and compassion. All are liable to misfortune in this changing world, and tho prosperous to-day may be in adver sity to-morrow. This shows the necessity for those having the supervision of the poor, to treat them with that degree of kind ness which they themselves would expect, were thoy in the same unhappy condition. And none can lay claim to thov character of a Christian, who do not feel called upon to soothe and miti gate the evils of poverty, so far as in them lie, which we con ceive to bo the test of Christian character, agreeable to the teachings of the Saviour, recorded in the 25th chapter of Mat thew. Mr. Hazard has shown a commendable spirit, iu thus devot ing his time and attention to the investigation of this most im portant subject ; which has already led to an improvement in the, condition of the poor, in many of tho towns in our State. God speed the day, when Ehode Island shall b6 found foremost in every good work to advance the happiness of man. We take pleasure in being able to state that a marked improvement has taken place in the Portsmouth' Asylum, since the publication of Mr. Hazard's Eoport, and to him belongs the credit. In 1808, a deposit of coal was discovered in Portsmouth, by Doct. Case, of Newport. It was worked for a time, and then abandoned. It was subsequently renewed by a company from Boston, but being impregnated with iron, it was found difficult to ignite. One of the proprietors called on a lawyer of New- York, who was rather of an eccentric character, to recommend tho article, which he cordiaUy did. But the certificate proved to bo such a one as would no,t be likely to advance the sale of tho article. It was as follows : " At the general conflagration of the universe, the most secure place to be found, would be tho coal mine at Portsmouth, E. I." More recently a company from Providence have taken it in hand, and have succeeded in finding a better quality of coal. For manufacturing purposes it is said to answer as woU as the RECORD OF FIRES. 289 anthracite, and at far less expense.- The excavations are very extensive. Many families in the neighborhood now burn it Since the mining operations were first commenced, a large amount of capital has been sunk in the enterprise. RECORDS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. Heart Fire Club was established about 1790. The number of members was limited to fifty ; one captain, one lieutenant, a treasurer, and clerk. The object of this Association was to aid in the preservation of -property in time of fire. An annual dinner was provided for the Association, and the expenses were defrayed by an equal assessment upon the members. No mem ber was to be excused, unless by a vote of the Club. The return of the anniversary was looked forward to with great interest, when all participated in the good things which a kind Providence had furnished. Tho evening was spent in the rela tion of anecdotes and recitations, occasionally interspersed with songSj and was tho means of strengthening the bond of union among tho fraternity. Perhaps there is no town of equal size whore the inhabitants are so careful of fire as Newport, and where the firemen are more vigilant and active in suppressing it, whenever it occurs. The estimate of losses for tho last hundred years, is compara tively trifling, and when it is considered that Newrport has been settled for more than two hundred years, that not a building was ever consumed in Thames-street, may well be looked upon as almost miraculous. Wo question whether another such instance can be found on record. Insurance Companies may feel quite safe in taking riskos on property in Newport. We would suggest, that it would be good poUcy for the town to establish an Insurance Office, and hence retain the premiums, whicb now go to build up other places. John W. Davis, Esq., Foreman of Engine Company, No. 1, has kindly furnished the foUowing valuable information, being a statement, from the books of the Company, of aU the Fires, of any consequence, which have occurred in Newport, for one iiundrod years, viz. : — 290 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. FIRES FROM 1749 TO 1848. 1749. December, EUery house, on the HiU. 1759. December, Goddard's house, on the Point. 1762. February, Fire on Long Wharf. 1763. September, DilUngham's shop. 1764. October 26th, Dr. Stiles' Meeting House, (the Central now,) and Trinity Church, both struck by lightning. 1766. June 7, Colonel Malborn's mansion, on the sito of J. Prescott Hall's new house. October 1st, Green's sugar house. 1769. June 28th, Malborn house. 1770. June 21st, Green's sugar house. December 28th, Eodman and Dennis' houses. 1771. January 18th, Lyon's coopers' shop. Green's sugar house, and sundry other buildings consumed. August 1st, Cole's tanyard. 1763. February, Nicholas Easton's house. 1774. January 9th, Moore and Anthony's shop consumed. 1780. September 7th, Samuel Gardner's stock and fodder. 1781. July 13th, House of John Handy, in New lane, (now Mary-street) 1784. September 2 1st, Larken's barn, with five tons of hay and one horse burnt. 1786. March 24th, M. Hookey's house, in Cannon-street. 1787. December 11th, JohnHadwin's store, on Long Wharf June 29th, David MolviUe's pewterer's shop, sUght damage. 1788. October 15th, Ebenezer Eichardson's house, slight dam age to the roof 1789. December 2d, Noah White's blacksmith's shop burnt down. 1791. April 16th, John H^dwin's and J. Eichardson's. 1792. January 21st, Tanyard and bark-house of WiUiam Tripp, and store of Governor CoUin's consumed. 1795, November 17th, Jonathan Southwick's boat-builder's shop burnt down. November 24th, John Frazier's school house, slight damage. REOeRD OF FIRES. 291 1797. August 7th, Francis Brinley's ropewalk. December 22d, Job Cahoone's house, in Thames street, sUght damage, il798. December 6th, Blacksmith's shop on Long Wharf con sumed, and a man named Lewis was burnt up ; also houses owned by Capt George and John Shaw ; Mr. Southwick's boat builder's shop torn down. 1800. October 25th, Mr. Delano's house and shed destroyed ,- also a negro man, belonging to Mr. Delano. 1803. April 22d, Nicholas Hart's bam burned down, corner of ChuT-ch and Spring-streets. 1810. March 11th, Captain Thomas White's house, in Church- street, dam aged- October Uth, Jas. Westgato's bakehouse, sUght damage. December 17th, Mr. Wilson's house on the Point, slight damage. 1811. April 13th, Stable in Broad-street, owned by Mrs. Pit man, occupied by Edward Simmons, burnt down. 1819. February 7th, W, S. N. Allan's bakehousej on Long Wharf,- slight damage. October 6th, Daniel W. Barker's bouse, in south part of Spring-street, burnt down. 1822. April 7th, Peleg Battio's house, on the Point, sUght damage. August 16th, JohnC. Almy's barn and dweUing house, belonging to A. Bobbins, on Long Wharf, consumed. J826. November 21st, Boat bmlder's shop, and house of Jon. Southwick, on Long Wharf, consumed. 1827, July 7th, Henry Eugglos' distillery, considerable damage. 1829. January 3d, Joseph Joslen's school house. Church street, slight -damag*. 1834. January 8th, Dr. B. W. -Case's bouse, foot of Parade, slight damage. March 22d, House belonging to the Seventh-day Baptist Society, in Thames-street, -slight damage. 4835. August 8th, Dry goods store, occupied by WUUam P. HaU, and owned by heirs of William Langley, an4 now occupied by Anderson's barber's shop, sUgbt damage. October 1st, Newport steam factory, sUght damaga 292 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, 1836. June 28th, Dry goods store of H. E. Brewster, (now occupied by W. H. Peek,) goods damaged. 1838. February 23d, Carpenter's shop on Beach-street, owned by Josiah Tew, consumed. February 28th, DweUing house in South Touro-street, owned by the heirs of Anthony Dixon, consumed. August 2d, Thomas E- Hazard's factory ; damage about $10,000, 1840. January 1st, House in Elm-street, occupied by WiUiam Groenman ; damage $350. February I7th, Store of D. S. HaUoway, Ferry Wharf, damage $100. 1841. April 7th, Benjamin Chase's carpenter's shop, damage $200. November 11th, Silas H. CottrelFs workshop, Thames- street, damage $301). 1842. February 17th, John H. GiJUafa new house, Tou-ro- stroet, damage $1000. May 27th, E. W. Lawton's wood-house, nearly destroyed; September 2d, Elder Henry Burdick's stable destroyed. September 6th, Thomas Townsend's bam destroyed, damage $600, September 23d, Tower's school house, rear of Clarke-- street. September 24th, BuUding near Bath road, destroyed. December 16th, John Bigley's house, Bridge-street, damage $200. 1844. February 26th, Drying house, on Woolen MiU Wharf, damage $250. March 21st, Same building, damage $300. 1845. March 13th, Woolen factory, damage $600. August 3d, Ocean House destroyed ; loss $60,000. Onei Ufe lost. 1846. January 9th, Woolen factory, damage $200. 1847. December 26tb, First Baptist Meeting-house, damaged $200. 1848. April 17tb, Store on Ferry Wharf, owned by Samu^ Carr, damaged $250. May 19th, Store on Long Wharf, occupied a» a boat- builder's shop, damaged $650, NARRAGANSETT INDIANS. 293 1848, July 25th, Four boat builder's shops, and one dwelUng- house, on Long Wharf, destroyed ; loss $5,500. October 4th, WiUiam A. Handy's house in Fair-street, damaged $200. THE NARRAGANSETT TRIBES. We have in this work labored to present the most interesting events connected with the history of this Island. Undoubt edly the lapse of time has buried much of value in obli-vion. This was to be expected ; but sufficient has been recorded to show the reader the distinguished position whieh Newport occu pied in the past, and of which there are some ti'acos still re maining. When it is considered that little more than two centuries have elapsed since this Island was the residence of the red man, when the war-whoop rang through the valleys and re verberated over the hills, when he stood erect in his own native dignity, with the bow and arrow, the weapon of his defence, and felt himself to be the rightful owner of the soil ; we ask, where now are the original inhabitants, the native " lords of the soil ?" Is the feeble remnant of the Narragansetts, now under the protection of the State, all that remains of this once noble race of men ? But where are they ? Where are the villages, and warriors, and youths ? the sachems, and the tribes ? the hunters and their famUies ? Thoy have perished. They are consumed. Tho wasting pestilence has not alone done the mighty work. No — nor famine, nor war. There has been a mightier power, a moral canker, which has eaten into their hearts' cores — a plague, which the touch of tho white man communicated — a poison, which betrayed them into a lingering ruin. They know and feel that there is for them still one remove farther, not dis tant, nor unseen. It is the general burial-ground of their race. The colonizing of America at the expense of the sufferings and final extermination of the aborigines of this country,- is painful and humiliating to consider, and detracts from that pleasure and satisfaction which would otherwise be enjoyed. From the report of a committee on Indian affairs in Ehode Island, made to the General Assembly in 1833, " it appears that 294 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. the whole number of aU grades and conditions of the once na- morous and warlike tribes of Narragansetts (the only tribe now existing in the State), wiis one hundred and fifty-eight. Of this number, only seven wore of genuine Narragansett blood, and several of those have since died ; fourteen wore half blood, and one hundred and fifty-eight of different grades, less than half- blood, with twenty foreigners, who have no connection with the tribe, except by marriage and other promiscuous intercourse." Three thousand acres of land in ChaTlestown,now in their pos session, is all that is left to thom of their ancient domain. " Canonicus, Miantonomu ! friends and benefactors of the colony, thy nation is no more. Simple sons of the forest, the lands of thy fathers have passed into the possession of the de scendants of those men, whom, when weak, defenceless and distressed, yo clothed, fed, and protected. And thou too, mighty Philip, who feU fighting for thy native soil,,the graves of thy fathers, thy wives and chUdren, and thy own loved' Mount Haup, — ^the white man's foot now presses the soU once trodden by thee." The scene is too painful to dwoU upon. We turn away from it in sorrow, deeply regretting their sad fate. Wo have already aUuded to the principles which influenced tho minds of the early settlers of the Island. As Mr. Callender properly observes, " they fled not from reUgion, order, or good government, but to have liberty to worship God, and enjoy their own religious opinions and belief." Our fathers professed to believe that " There is in man an indiridual sovereignty. Which none created might unpunished Bind or touch, A sovereignty unbound, save by the eternal laws of God, And unamenable to all below." And in matters relating to civil liberty, this great principle was recognized and practiced. Thoy admitted in their State sovereignty, that tho true and legitimate source of power, from whence those in authority and places of trust derived theirs, to legislate for the common good of aU, was derived from the peo ple ; and by people, they understood not the mere appendages of wealth, which are possessed but by few, as giving an exclu sive privilege to act, to the exclusion of the masses, but rather CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. 295 that moral and inteUectual possessions were tho true character istics which went to make up the people. Incidental differ ences in men's circumstances and conditions -were not regarded as constituting a quaUfication, or disqualification, to act in the concerns of the government ; aud this view of the case ren dered the form of government purely democratic. We are aware that the idea has become prevalent in the minds of a certain class, that the masses are unfit to govern ; but we apprehend no danger, where the people are intelligent, and educated to believe that they are men — not merely in form, but intoUectually and moraUy so — and bound to love tho insti tutions of their beloved country, and to aid in their preserva tion. Deny to thom this right, and you at once generate a band of villains, the counterparts of the Ishmaolites, " who will be against every man, and every man against them." It be hooves us, then, to see to it that education is imparted to all, irrespective of rank or condition, and to be careful that honest poverty, where all the other requisite qualifications are pos sessed, is not overlooked, and that wealth be not aUowed a com plete monopoly in all things. Tho notion of tho incompetency of the people to govern them selves, has had its origin on the other side of the water ; and its baneful influence and demoralizing effects have been severely felt, sufficient to alarm every true patriot and friend of human rights, and should act as an incentive to vigilance in guarding our liberties — the birth-right of high heaven^and never, never suffer them to be wrested from us by tho rapacious cruelty and injustice of designing men, who take delight in lording it over the consciences of men. Oppression is contrary to tho very nature of man's being. God created the mind originally free ; and it is an act of usurpation which should be frowngd down most indignantly, whenever our natural rights are invaded. The original settlors of the Island possessed, in a very high degree, the principles of civU and religious Uberty, and to their precept and example we may trace some of tho same spiri'", which exists among the people at tho present day. Our fore fathers had not only felt the hand of oppression in the mother country ; but they had also experienced it from their lordly breth ren in Massachusetts, and hence they felt constrained to floe to 296 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. a spot where tho .^standard of liberty could be unfurled, and under its broad shelter an asylum found for the persecuted and the oppressed of every clime. We trust that we shaU not be chargeable with vanity or prejudice, in reasserting that the peo ple of the Island wore the most truly repubUcan in their man ners, of any portion of the maritime towns of New England. In this, we have tho concurrence of enlightened minds, whose extensive observation of the world has given wfeight to their opinions. Among the earliest records of legislation in Ehode Island, wo find an act guarding tho right of private opinion, and free discussion. In the preamble, they say, " That to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his power into tho field of opinions, and restrain tho profession or propagation of principles, on the supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys aU reUgious liberty ; because he, being judge of that tendency, wUl make his own opinions the rule of judg ment, and approve or condemn tho sentiments of others, only as they shaU square with or differ from his own ; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to intoiffore when principles break forth into overt acts against peace and good order ; and finally, that truth is great- and will prevaU, if loft to herself; that she is tho proper and sufficient antagonist of error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human power disarmed of her natural weap ons, free argument and debate." Such sentiments are worthy to be inscribed, in letters of gold, on our halls of legislation, showing tho principles of liberty which wore ingrained in the hearts of tho early settlers of this ^Island. God grant that we, their descendants, may cherish and perpetuate tho same glorious principles, and never prove recre ant to the sacred trust committed to our care. Nor were these rights, nor any part of them, relinquished by our venerable predecessors, when they entered the confederacy. They surrendered no inalienable rights ; they made no compro mise of the liberty " to know, utter, and argue freely," any of the great principles of civil and religious freedom on which the colony was founded. And when Ehade -Island subscribed to and adopted the Constitution of the United States, the voice of freedom echoed from the halls of her convention, proclaiming. ASSENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. 297 with trumpet tongue, " that there are certain natural righrs of which men, when they form a social compact, cannot deprive their posterity, among which are tho enjoyment of Ufe and lib erty, with the means of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. That aU men have an equal, natural, and inaUonable right to the exercise of religion according to the dictates of their own consciences. That the people have a right to freedom of speech and of writing, and publishing their sentiments ; that freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and ought not to be violated. "Under these impressions," say thoy, "and declaring that the rights aforesaid cannot be abridged, and that these declara tions are consistent with the Constitution, we, the said dele gates, in the name and in the behalf of the people of the State of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, do by these pres ents assent to and ratify the said Constitution." Such sentiments as these are democratic in the highest sense of the term, and should admonish those who would seek to cur tail in the least the liberties of the people, that they have for gotten their sires, and the sacred principles which they promul gated. Their names should be inscribed high on the roll of fame, to be admired and esteemed by their descendants. As so Uttle has been said of Clark and Coddington, by writers who have undertaken to dwell on the history of Ehode Island, we have indulged more at length on their characters, in order to place their names in the front rank instead of in the rear. It is a most singular fact that the grave of Eoger WUUamb, the founder of the Plantations, is unknown to this day. In reviewing the past mercies of God towards our fathers, we have abundant cause of gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise. They came to this Island to rear the temple of civil and reli gious liberty. No selfish purpose actuated them in leaving the fatherland ; it was not to increase their worldly honors that they sacrificed home, with all its endearments. Higher and no bler considerations influenced them. It was to establish an asylum where liberty, the birth-right of man, might be more fully enjoyed than it was in the land of their birth. And the principles which they cherished in their own bosoms, and which they scattered broadcast among the people, have 298 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. been transmitted down to the present generation. Eofloctions, however, have been cast on the want of intelUgence among tho peo ple, as well as tho looseness of ourroligious principles, by a class of bigots and sectarians. But the moral virtues which guided the inhabitants of the Island were as pure and as unmixed as those of any section of the country. Dr. Mather, a little more than a' century ago, said, " Ehode Island was occupied by Antinomians, Anabaptists, Quakers, Eauters, and everything else, but Eoman Catholics and Chris tians; and if any man has lost his religion, he may find it in this general muster of opinions — in this Gawzzim of New Eng land, this receptacle of tho convicts of Jerusalem, and the out casts of the land." Now, to us of tho present day, such intolerant and abusive language, from a professed believer in Christ, sounds strangely in our ears ; yet the age in which he lived is .some apology for his singular and unaccountable conduct. But no apology can now be offered for the sensorious remarks which have often been made in relation to our civil and reUgious institutions, by a class of unprincipled bigots, who view everything through a distorted medium. Considering her geographical extent, with the number of her inhabitants, Ehode Island can justly lay claim to having pro duced as many distinguished minds as that of any section of the Union. CaU it arrogance, if you please to indulge such a thought. We feel called upon to frown down with tho most sovereign con tempt, the interlopers who dare cast aspersions on her fair fame, whether they be agents of religious bodies,orschool teachers whose pride has been elated by receiving the patronage of the people. Ignorance at homo, where thoy are best known, is profound knowledge when tho soU of Ehode Island is pressed ; and it is owing to this cause alone, of strangers having been preferred to enlighten the dark minds of Ehode Islanders, that tho false im pression has been given. Wo trust, for the honor of the State, this disgrace will soon be remedied, and the stigma of reproach wiped from our escut cheon. Wo have no wish to deny that we had our birth and education on tho Island of Ehode Island, where the glorious principles of liberty wore first taught , and where none is ac counted a deUnquent in matters of roUgion. Happy, thrice SOVEREIGNTY OP THE PEOPLE. 299 happy spot ! we will cherish in fond remembrance those sainted patriots, whose mouldering ashes now repose in tho fairest gem of the ocean. The haUowed influence of their principles has leavened this mighty nation, and neutralized, if not subdued, the dark malignant spirit of bigotry and superstition, religious intolerance and persecution. Our fathers understood tho true principles of government they acknowledged the sovereignty of the people. This is the basis of a repubUcan form of government, and should bo guard ed with the most scrupulous care, as on this hinge turns our poUtical freedom. Abandon this -vital principle, and our glorious temple of Uberty, reared by the hands and cemented by the blood of our patriot fathers, would crumble to pieces, and its funeral dirge be chanted throughout the world. This is an admirable feature in our Constitution, that a re- dross of grievances lays with the people. Deny this position, and you at once hurl us back to the dark period, when the land was governed by a sovereign tyrant, at whose dictation the people must bow and do fealty ; and the conclusion to which we unavoidably arrive by admitting this political dogma, is, that our Eevolutionary forefathers were a body of insurgents, and throughout every step in the great moral and physical enter prise of attempting to break the fetters which bound us to Great Britain, were wholly unauthorized by every principle of justice and equity — and as an act of atonement for past wrongs, should lead the nation at once to recognize the supremacy of Queen Victoria, as the legitimate and rightful sovereign of the land, and thereby wipe from our escutcheon the infinite wrongs of which we have been guilty. In the view of enlightened and liberal minds, they can never tolerate the idea, that absolute power should bo vested in any one man, or body of men, to be exercised according to their discre tion, over the rights and liberties of others. It is an assumption of power, which the Ught of science wherever enjoyed, wiU not for a moment sanction. It must, however, be admitted that there is a want of moral courage prevalent at this day, more especially in the New-England States, which often gives to minorities the complete ascendency. We feel called -upon to enter our solemn protest against such imbecility and weakness, derogatory to the character of man, which threatens the over- 300 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. throw of our social, political, and religious Uberties, which have been purchased at the expense of the blood of our fathers. It is far better to suffer nobly the " pangs of outrageous for tune," with a mind free and untrammelled, than to bask in the sunshine of worldly prosperity, a mere slave ; for slavery of the mind is far more to bo deprecated than that of the body. We are legally and constitutionally bound to respect our rulers, -whenever their acts are in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution. But when the principles embodied in the Magna Charta, are not complied with, that moment they tran scend tho power lodged in their hands, and disregard tho wishes of their constituents, and render their acts obnoxious to the people, and vox populi should be raised that their places may be filled with better men, who wiU labor to promote the interest of tho whole people, and not legislate merely for tho few. DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC LANDS. This age is distinguished in some measure by endeavoring to grant facilities to tho poorer classes, to enable them to subsist more comfortably than they do at -present ; hepce the distribu tion of the public lands to actual settlers is now strongly advo cated by many whose patriotism extends beyond their own sel fish interest. And it behoves the Legislatures of each of tho respective States of the Confederacy to authorize their repre sentatives in Congress to use their influence in bringing about this highly important and meritorious object, and not permit the waste land to bo monopolized by speculators. Many of the States, to their praise be it said, have also passed the Homestead Exemption Law, whore the value does not exceed from five hundred to a thousand dollars. This is a humane and chari table act, and should be followed by every state in the Union. It is for the people to straighten what is now crooked, and to right what is at present wrong. These should be made the test questions in our future elections, as being of infinitely more im portance, to the interest of the people, than tho tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee. Let not a craven spirit continue to influence the minds of the people of Ehode Island, for it is too humiUaiting to SALtTBRITY OF THE CLIMATE, 301 witness man, elevated as he is above aU the works of God, fear ful of acting out the sentiments of his heart, for fear of tho opinion which some worm of the dust may entertain of him, which may possibly endanger his temporary interest. Let the language of David to his son Solomon, be regarded and prac tised, " show thyself a man !" In bringing this work to a close, lot me urge on the minds of the inhabitants of the island, the value and importance of culti vating a spirit of enlarged liberality. Suffer not the mind to bo influenced by merely selfish considerations, which, are opposed in their nature to the principles advocated by the early settlers. Keep their example in full view, which wiU act as a stimulus in urging you forward in the sacred cause of justice. The spot which you occupy has boon properly called the " Paradise of America," in a physical point of view, and in the past it was so in a moral and intellectual point of view. But, alas ! " the gold ihas become dim, and tho most find gold changed. " The vener able Dr. Waterhouse has remarked : " Newport wUl be — must be — -the Bath of the United States, to which rich invalids wiU retire for lost health. I often wish that I had some pleasant spot or farm on my native Island, to which, if not myself, rny in valid posterity might resort to enjoy peace, health, and Uberty." Such were the views entertained by the venerable Doctor, and which have subsequently been realized in tho vast crowds which now resort to Newport, to spend a few weeks during the sultry heat of summer. Here the gentleman of leisure can find exemption from tho evils which exist in crowded cities, while u rich treat is furnished the lovers of pleasure which can no whore else be enjoyed in the same degree. This has turned tho attention of the inhabitants to tho build ing of large aud spacious hotels, for the accommodation of the numerous strangers who resort here, until it has in a very great degree excluded every other kind of business from the place. Such precarious business should not, however, be the sole re liance of the inhabitants, but secondary, in importance. New port, with her spacious and commodious harbor, should enjoy an extensive commerce. Her situation is admirnbly adapted to the whaUng and fishery business, and it should be remembered that commerce was tho means of her former pros perity and glory, and its decay her downfaU. 302 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. We are aware that great and important changes have been wrought in the country-places. Those once insignificant have sprung into being, as by magic ; still it does not necessarily fol low, that Newport must remain forever in statu quo, satisfied with having the town a r&eve resort of strangers for a few weeks. If this be the manifest destiny, why of course, the people must passively submit. It must, however, appear obvious to the mind that has given the least attention to the subject, that the great depth of water at Easton's Point, the northern extremity of the town, presents faciUties which are not enjoyed elsewhere. In many of tho mari time cities, thoy often meet with obstacles which cause delay, owing to the want of sufficient water to float the larger class of ships, whUe here, at low tide, from eighteen to twenty feet of water is found. In this age of progress there appears to be a demand for a still larger class of steamships, and it has been suggested that in the lapse of time Newport may become one of the principal depots for steam navigation. But this -view of the subject is highly improbable, as there is no market to be found Here, and merchants would not be at the expense of freighting their mer chandize to New-York, Boston, &c. The idea is too preposterous to be indulged in for a moment If these natural advantages, which are possessed in so high a degree, are to be made sub servient to the prosperity of the place, it must be effected by the enterprise of the inhabitants alone, and all Quixotic schemes abandoned forever. We have not, in this work, attempted to draw comparisons between the past and tho present, but have rather preferred to lot tho inteUigent reader draw his own inferences ; for it must be confessed that the moral, intellectual, and physical condition of the place is so wholly and entirely changed, as to render it painful to contemplata We can hardly realize that it is the same place ; and many, who after years of absence have re turned, have found so sad a deterioration, that they have pre ferred a residence elsewhere. In fact, it is only in the past that Newport appears interesting to a reflective mind. The houseless, wandering descendant looks at the mansion of his fathers and exclaims ; LIST OP PRESIDENTS OP THE COLONY. 303 " Now thou standest In faded ma-jesty, as if to mourn The desolation of an ancient race.' We flatter ourselves that the work wiU be road with interest, more especially by the inhabitants of the Island, as well as those who are in the habit of resorting there to admire the romantic and picturesque scenery, which is the groat attraction of the place. It will assist the reader to while away his leisure hours in its perusal, and carry the mind back to the interesting period, when the highly eminent characters which we have presented figured on life's busy stage, who have long since retired to make room for others. A List of the Presidents of the Colony of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, under the first Patent ; and the Governors under the second Charter. Collected from the State Eecords. \ PRESIDENTS UNDER THE FIRST PATENT. From the year 1647 to 1648, John CoggeshaU, „ „ 1648 to 1649, Jeremiah Clarke, „ „ 1649 to 1650, John Smith, „ „ 1650 to 1652, Nicholas Easton. GOVERNORS UNDER THE FIRST CHARTER. From the year 1654 to 1657, Eoger WilUams, • , 1657 to 1660, Benedict Arnold, , 1660 to 1662, WilUam Brenton, , 1662 to 1663, Benedict Arnold. » » GOVERNORS UNDER THE SECOND CHARTER. From the year 1663 to 1666, Benedict Arnold, „ „ 1666 to 1669, WilUam Brenton, „ „ 1669 to 1672, Benedict Arnold „ „ . 1672 to 1674, Nicholas Easton, „ „ 1674 to 1676, WiUiam Coddington. 304 HISTORY OF ItHODE ISLAND. From the year 1676 to 1677, Walter Clarke, „ „ 1677 to 1679, Benedict Arnold, „ „ 1670 to 1680, John Cranston, „ „ 1680 to 1683, Polog Sanford, „ „ 1683 to 1685, WilUaip Coddington, „ „ 1685 to 1686, Henry BuU, „ „ 1686 to , Walter Clarke. The Charter was at this period superseded by Sir Edmund Andross, but it was again restored in 1689. GOVERNORS AFTER THE RESTORATION. From the year 1689 to 1690, Henry BuU, „ „ 1690 to 1695, John Easton, „ „ 1695 to 1696, Caleb Carr, „ „ 1696 to 1698, Walter Clarke, „ „ 1698 to 1727, Samuel Cranston, „ „ 1732 to 1734, WiUiam Wanton, „ „ 1734 to 1741, John Wanton, „ „ 1741 to 1743, Eichard Ward, „ „ 1745 to 1746, Gideon Wanton, „ „ 1747 to 1748, Gideon Wanton, „ „ 1762 to 1763, Samuel Ward, „ „ 1765 to 1767, Samuel Ward, „ „ 1768 to 1769, Josias Lyndon, „ „ 1769 to 1775, Joseph Wanton. APPENDIX HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES RHODE ISLAND. APPENDIX. TRINITY CHURCH NEWPORT. The foUowing account is compiled from the Eecords of Henry Bull, Esq., with Notes by the Eev. Francis Vinton, and ad ditional remarks. Until nearly the close of the seventeenth century, there were but two orders of Christians in the town of Newport, who were organized, and regularly met together for the purpose pf worship, and those were of the denomination of Baptists and Friends, or Quakers. The original founder, and first principal patron of Trinity Church, in Newport, was Sir Francis Nicholson. He was by profession a soldier ; was Lieutenant-Governor of New- York, under Sir Edmund Andros, and at the head of the Adminis tration of that Colony from 1687 to 1690, at which time he was appointed Governor of Virginia, and so continued for two years. From 1694 to 1699, he was Governor of Maryland, after which time he was again Governor of Virginia. He com manded the British forces sent to Canada, in 1710, and took the important fortress of Port Eoyal. In 1713 he became Governor of Nova Scotia, and in 1720, Governor of Carolina. He returned to England in June, 1725, and died in London in 1728. Mr. Lockyer, an Episcopal clergyman, commenced preaching in Newport about the close of 1698 ; and by that means a Church was gathered. He was doubtiess procured by the 308 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. instrumentality of Sir Francis Nicholson, who was then Gover nor of Maryland ; for the Eecords of Trinity Church fuUy sustain the fact, that Sir Francis was its founder. The people, and more especially the leading gentlemen of the town, were well disposed towards this new undertaking, and a considerable society was soon established, with sufficient strength and zeal, aided by their generous patron, to buUd a handsome Church, which was completed in or before 1702. " Handsomely," as they say, " finished all on the outside, and the inside pewod well, but not beautiful." Thus far the Church had made its way without any aid from the mother country. In the year 1702, when the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was established and incorporated in England, tho Wardens of Trinity Church applied to the Bishop of London, soliciting the aid of the Society ; on which application the Eev. James Honyman was appointed Missionary, in 1704, and sent over to this station. Tho Society, as a further encouragement, sent also as a present to the Church, a valuable Ubrary of the best theological works of that day, consisting of seventy-five volumes, mostly foUo. Many of these books are stiU in tho possession of tho Church. Queen Anno presented the Church with the beU, which was received here in 1709 ; about which time the Minister, War dens, and Vestry, wrote to the Governor of Massachusetts, and to the Eev. Samuel MUes, Minister of Boston, requesting each of thom to forward money, loft in their hands for the Church, by Sir Francis Nicholson, stating their present want of money, to enable them to prepare for and hang the bell but recently received, Mr. Honeyman was a gentleman weU calculated to unite his own society, which grew and flourished exceedingly under his charge, as well as to conciliate those of other religious denomi nations, all of whom he " embraced with the arms of charity." In tho year 1713, tho Minister, Churchwardens, and Vestry, petitioned the Queen for the establishment of Bishops in America, sotting forth the great benefit that would result to tho church from such a measure. Mr. Nathaniel Kay, the Collector of the Queen's revenues in Ehode Island, who after wards liberally endowed the school connected with this Church, was amoug the signers of this petition. ERECTION OF A NEW CHURCH, 309 In the year 1724, Mr. Honyman writes to tho Society in England, as foUows : " That there was properiy belonging to his church in Newport, above fifty communicants, who live in that place, exclusive of strangers. Tho church people grow now Loo numerous to be accommodated with seats in tho old church, and many more offered to join themselves to the church communion." Mr. Honyman proposed to tho church members, the building of a new church, and subscribed £30 himself for that purpose. The people heartily concurred, and ho soon after obtained subscriptions amounting to £1000 of the currency of the country ; but it was estimated tho buildino- would cost twice that amount How'ovor, a sufficient sum was raised, and, in tho year 1726, the church was completed, and Mr. Honyman held the service in it The body of the building was seventy feet long, and forty-six wide. It had two tiers of windows, was fuU of pews, and had galleries all round to the east end. It was acknowledged by the people of that day to be the most beautiful timber structure in America. The old building was given to the people of Warwick, who had no church of their own. We have every reason for believing that the new buUding was erected on the site of the old one, for the old one appears to have been disposed of by gift, to make room for the now, which -would not otherwise have been done in a town rapidly increasing in population, and in want of more buUdings. At the time of which we are writing, 1724 to 1726, there were Quakers and two sorts of Anabaptists in Newport, yet the members of the Church of England increased daily ; and although there was not to be found aUvo at that time, four of tho original promoters of church worship in this place, yet there was then above four times the number of all the first. Mr. Honyman had under his care at this time, the towns of Now- port, Freetown, Tiverton, and lattle Compton. The history of this Church has been, thus far, principally derived from the pubUcations of the-Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and from Letters from tho Minister, Wardens, and Vestry, to Queen Anne, to tho Bishop of London, and to Sir Francis Nicholson, copies of which have been pre served in the first parish records of the Church. Tho first book of the corporation records having been lost, is a circum- 310 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, stance much to be regretted. The second book commences with tho date 1731. A letter, written in Newport, and pubUshed in the " New England Journal," Boston, September 3d, 1729, says, " Yester day, arrived here. Dean Berkley, of Londonderry, in a pretty large ship. He is a gentleman of middle stature, of an agree able, pleasant, and erect aspect. He was ushered into the town with a great number of gentlemen, to whom he behaved himself after a very complaisant manner. 'Tis said he proposes to tarry here with his family about three months." The connection of Dean Berkley with Trinity Church, caUs for a passing notice of his sojourn in Newport, where he arrived by a circumstance purely incidental. He, with other gentle men, his associates, were bound to Bermuda, with the intention of establishing there a college, for the education of the Indian youth of this country ; a plan, however, which wholly faUed, The captain of the ship in which he sailed could not find the island of Bermuda, and having given up the search after it, steered northward, until they discovered land unknown to them, and which thoy supposed to bo inhabited only by savages. On making a signal, however, two men came on board from Block Island, in the character of pUots, who, on inquiry, informed thom the harbor and town of Newport were near ; that in tho town there was an Episcopal Church, the Minister of which was Mr. James Honyman, on which they proceeded for Newport, but an adverse wind caused them to run into the -west passage, where the ship came to anchor. The Dean wrote a letter to Mr. Honyman, which the pilots took on shore at Conanicut Lsland, and caUod on a Mr. Gardner and Mr. Mar tin, two members of Mr. Honyman's Church, informing them that a great dignitary of the Church of England, called a Dean, was on board the ship, together -with other gentlemen passen gers. They handed them the letter from the Dean, which Messrs. Gardner and Martin brought to Newport, in a small boat, with all possible dispatch. On their arrival they found Mr. Honyman was at church, it being a holyday, on which divine service was held then. They then sent the letter by a servant, who delivered it to Mr. Honyman in his pulpit He opened it, and read it to the congregation, from the contents of which it appeared the Dean might be expected to land in BEQUEST TO YALE COLLEGE. 311 Newport, every moment The church was dismissed with the blessing, and Mr. Honyman, with the wardens, vestry, church, and congregation, male and female, repaired immediately to the ferry wharf, where they arrived a littie before the Dean, his family and friends. The foregoing tradition wo have given as we received it, but other traditions vary a little from that ; some of which say that "the ship made no land until she arrived in the East or Sachuest river, from which she came round the north end of EJiode Island to Newport." It has also been stated that Col. Godfrey Malborn, being out in his pleasure yacht, on discovering the ship, made towards her, and on being informed that the Dean and suit were on board, he took them to his magnificent country-seat, now the property of Prescott Hall, Esq., where they tarried until morning, and then started for Newport The Dean purchased a farm of about one hun dred acres in the town of Newport, adjoining one of about the same extent belonging to the Eev. James Honyman, on which Mr. Honyman resided. The Dean built him a house on his farm for his residence, which he called White HaU, which name it stiU retains. The house is stiU standing. It is situated in what is now the town of Middletown, about three miles from the State House in Newport, and a Uttle back of the road which runs eastward from the town, near a beautiful little water course, which runs southward towards Saohuest Beach. This White Hall estate he gave to Yale College, in Connecticut, which still o-wns the fee. The White Hall estate was sold soon after it came in posses sion of Yale College, on a lease of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, at a rent of one hundred ounces of silver per annum. The mansion house is still standing, and is in the occupation of Mr. Abraham Bro-wn, the present owner of the lease. It re mains the same as when Bishop Berkley occupied it. We would suggest the importance of repairing the front, &c. He continued hero about two years, perhaps a little longer. He was certainly here as late as September, 1731, as appears by a supplementary inscription on the tomb-stOne of Nathaniel Kay, Esq., which is as foUows : " Joining to the south of this tomb, Ues Lucia Berkley, daughter of Dean Berkley, Obit, the 5th of September, 1731." His preaching was eloquent and forcible, and attracted large 312 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. congregations to Trinity church. When he was called to a sphere of greater usefulness in his native country, he was not forgetful of a residence which was endeared to him by many pleasing recollections ; and which, moreover, possessed for him a melancholy interest, from the circumstance of its containing the ashes of his infant daughters, who had died during his so journ in Newport. After his return to England, he sent as a donation to Trinity Church, in tho year 1733, a magnificent organ. This organ is surmounted by a crown in tho centre, supported by two mitres, one on each side. Mr. Nathaniel Kay, who came from England to Ehode Island as collector of the King's customs for the colony of Ehode Island, was the most liberal patron, as to tho amount of his pecuniary aid, that the church has ever had. His house stood on the sito now occupied by tho dweUing-house of the heirs of the late George Engs, Esq., on the hiU, near the head of Touro- street. It was, when built, one of the most spacious and ele gant private dwellings in town. No apology can be offered for the neglect of the church, in suffering it to be destroyed. It was a piece of modern vandal ism, which we can never cease to regret. Since tho revolution, it was occupied by a Mrs. PoUock, a lady from South CaroUna, who kept hor carriage, and lived in a style of affluence, befitting her rank and station. At tho time of the embargo, when busi ness was suspended, and no employment was to be had for the laboring classes, she, like a true philanthropist, opened a soup- house, and daily supplied the poor inhabitants throughout tho winter. At his death, ho devised and bequeathed to the church as follows : " I give and bequeath my dweUing house and coach house to my wife, during the term of her natural Ufe ; after which I give and bequeath both, with my lots of land in Ehode Island, and £400 in the currency of New Eng-- land, to build a school house, to the minister of the church of England (Mr. Honyman), and the church wardens and vestry for the time being — that is to say, upon trust and confidence, and to the interest and purpose, benefit and use of a school to teach ten poor boys their grammar and tho mathematics, gratis ; and to appoint a master at all times, as occasion or vacancy may happen, who shall be Episcopally ordained, and assist the DEATH OP MR. HONYMAN. 313 minister (Episcopal) of the town of Newport, in some proper office, as they shaU think most useful." Mr. Updike, in his his tory, has attempted an apology for the loss of the estate thus kindly bequeathed by Mr. Kay to Trinity church. It only proves that property disposed of in this way, faUs to be carried out according to the wish of the donor. The Eev. Theodore Dehor took charge of the parish, as minister, in 1797. His gentlemanly deportment and conciliatory manners, his pulpit eloquence, his mild disposition, and his sound piety, soon brought back the wandering sheep to the common fold. The church was again filled with a numerous congregation, ear nestly engaged in social worship. In 1762, tho edifice was greatly enlarged, by moving the east erly part about thirty feet, and adding as much in the middle. This was done at tho expense of forty-six gentlemen, who took the pews thoy added in full satisfaction for the expense of said enlargement. In the same year that the organ was presented (1733), Jahleel Brenton, Esq., presented the clock in tho tower ' — and wo would suggest that, in memory of the donor, it should be put in repair. In 1740, the bell presented by Queen Anne was cracked; it was taken down and sent to London to be recast. In 1741, the first school house was built, and Mr. Cornelius Bennett ap pointed schoolmaster. In 1750, the Eev. Mr. Honyman died at an advanced age. He was buried at the expense of the church, on the south side of the passage from the gate to the church, where his tomb stone now Ues. His salary was £70 per annum. In July, 1751, the Church agreed to ask the Society to send them Mr. Beach as minister. On tho 27th of August, 1752, a committee was appointed to collect, by subscription, a sum suffi cient to purchase a parsonage. Their success was such, that in December the house was purchased for tho purpose aforesaid. Mr. Thomas Potter arrived in 1754, having been sent by the Venerable Society as missionary. In November, Mr. Potter left. Tho church, being destitute of a minister, caUed tho Eev. Marmaduke Brown, of Portsmouth. He accepted tho caU, and arrived in December. In 1768, the old tower was taken down, and a new one built, eighteen feet square, and sixty feet high. In 1769, Mr. Brown 314 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, went to England on a -visit. During his absence, Mr. Bisset suppUed his place as minister, Oct 27, 1770, there was a severe gale of wind, in which the spindle on the Steeple was broken off below the ball. The Easter-Monday after tho death of Mr. Brown, the con gregation chose Mr. Bisset their minister, until the Venerable Society should bo heard from. On Sunday, tho 8th of Decem ber, 1776, the British fleet and army took possession of the Island of Ehode Island, which event gave a new character to everything here of a local nature. Mr. Bisset continued with the church until the evacuation of the Island, which took place October 25th, 1779. Many of the leading members of Trinity Church were of tho royal party, who went with them to New York; and among the number was the minister, Mr. Bisset, who loft his wife and chUd behind, in tho most destitute circumstances. His furni ture was seized by the State of Ehode Island ; but afterwards, upon the petition of his wife to the General Assembly, it was restored to hor, and she, with her child, was permitted to go to her husband in New York. A few days after the British left Newport, some young men of the town, and among thom two American officers, entered the church, and despoUod it of tho altar-piece, consisting of the King's arms, the Lion and tho Unicorn. They wore highly or namented, and were placed against the great east window. After trampling them under foot, they were carried to tho north battery, and set up for a target to fire at The other emblems of royalty, being out of roach, were allowed to remain. They consist of one royal crown on the spire, and another on the top of the organ. This structure has never been subjected to the hand of modern vandalism, and we trust that the inhabitants of the ancient town will guard it with the most scrupulous care. The interior is now tho same as when Dean Berkley preached in it, and the pulpit is now the only one in America over graced by the occupancy of that distinguished prelate. Tho church was, at the time of which we are speaking, without a minister. As it had been nursed by the high church party in England, it was unpopular with the mass of the people, who were writhing under the scourge inflicted by that very party. Tho church edifice, too, had been spared by those ruthless invaders who DISSENSIONS IN THE CHURCH. 315 had worshipped in it, while they had desecrated the other pla ces of worship in the town, by converting them into hospitals, etc. ; and every part of them but tho sheUs, they had demol ished. There was no service in the church immediately after Mr. Bisset loft, and the minister of tho " Sixth principal Baptist So ciety" of this town, the Eev. Gardner Thurston, was aUowed to occupy the church, with his numerous congregation, until their own place of worship was repaired — from 1781 to 1786 — at which period the Eev. James Sayro was engaged and settled as minister. He took upon him the duties of that office on the 1st of Oc tober. In 1787, the pews built in the west aisle of the church were taken down, and the passage from the north to tho south doors again laid open. In 1788, Mr. Bours and a majority of the congregation came to an open rupture with Mr. Sayre, They charged him with "refusing to put a vote in the vestry, which he had pre viously agreed to do." It appears Mr. Sayre soon left the church ; but by what means they got rid of him^-whethor through the means of Bishop Seabury, whose mediation had been requested by a por tion of the congregation, by his voluntary relinquishment of his charge, or by compulsion, the records do not inform us. By a vote of May 5th, 1789, tho Eev. WiUiam Smith, of St Paul's Church, Narragansett, was invited to visit the church every other week, which invitation he accepted, with the con sent of his own church ; and in December foUowing, ho was caUed to become the minister of Trinity church, which he ac cepted. The Eev. Mr. Smith was not agreeably settied, inasmuch as the society were divided. The feuds which had originated be tween Mr. Sayre and Mr. Bours had not been healed, and many of the minority refused to attend church under the preaching of Mr. Smith, but preferred holding meetings of wor ship in their private houses. Mr. Smith received a call from the church at Norwalk, Conn., which he accepted, and em barked for his new station April 12, 1797. The church, on the Uth of May, invited the Eev. John S. J. Gardner, assistant minister of Trinity church, Boston, to come 316 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND. to Newport, and spend a few Sundays. In Mr. Gardner's answer to the church, dated September 17th, ho calls it " a scattered church, and a divided people." For these reasons, and because his own church, rather than part with him, had raised his salary to $800, he decKned the invitation, but recom mended to the church, a young man named Theodore Dehor. On the 8th of October, 1797, Mr. Dehor was chosen minister, and requested to obtain orders. November 19th, his salnry was fixed at $700 per annum, with the use of the parsonage and lot, and other perquisites of said office. On the 7th of January, 1798, he entered upon the duties of his ministry. Mr. Dehor proved very acceptable to the society, which again united in the bonds of harmony and Christian fellowship, flourished and increased to an overflowing congregation. In 1798, a vestry was built in the north east corner of tho church ; in this spot a full length portrait of Mr. Honyman hangs. In 1799, a new school-house was erected on tho lot where tho old one formerly stood. The old one had been pulled down, as we- have reason to boliovo, in the hard winter of 1780, and given to tho poor of tho church for fuel; In 1 804, the church- bell which had been in use sixty-three years cracked, and was again cast over. In November of the same year, the new bell cracked and was still again re-cast. The affairs of the church'having boon settled under the pastoral care of Eev. Mr. Dehor, but little worthy of notice took place until 1809. For about ton years previous to that time, many mem bers of the corporation had been anxious tho church should pos sess a fund, to be invested, and tho interest arising to be exclu sively appropriated to the minister's salary. This year they set themselves to work in earnest to accomplish the desirable pur pose. On the 2d of June, the vestry appointed a committee to report a plan to raise a permanent fund, and in August tbe said committee made a report -which vi'as not adopted. A new committee was appointed, which reported in Decem ber, 1810, whose report being adopted, measures were taken for carrying it into effect. Tho members of the congregation were solicited to subscribe such sums as thoy were wilKng to contri bute towards tho fund ; no one being obUged to pay until the- whole sum subscribed should amount to six thousand doUars. Ib a short time a list of six thousa,nd and fifty dollars was ob- MINISTERIAL CHANGES. 317 tained. The subscribers being thus held for the amounts sub scribed, agreeably to the terms of their subscriptions, tho money was eoUected and invested in bank stock — the dividends on whieh -were to be regularly invested untU the capital should amount to ten thousand doUars. After which the yearly in come was to be applied to the payment of the minister's salary, and for no other purpose. This was fully accompUshed in due time, and one thousand dollars added by the bequest of Mr. Samuel Brown, of Boston, a native of Newport, making the per manent fund eleven thousand dollars, at tho original cost of the stock. In February, 1810, the Eev. Theodore Dehor resigned the rectorship of tho church, but tendered his services until the ensuing autumn. On the 28th of October, he preached his last sermon to the congregation, and proceeded to exercise tho Epis copal offices of Eector of St. Michael's, Charleston, and Bishop of South CaroUna. When Mr. Dehor retired, the Eev. Samuel Wheaton, who married tho sister of Mr. Dehor, and who had boon previously^ engaged to preside over tho church, arrived here from New- Haven, and took charge of the parish. Tho Eev. Mr. Wheaton presided over the church for thirty years, -when ho resigned, and the Eev. Francis Vinton was chosen Eoctor, and entered on his duties at Easter, 1840, and was instituted Eector April 14th, 1841. It is a subject of regret that Mr. Wheaton could not have continued to preside over the parish until his removal by death, for he was a devoted servant of Christ, and endeared himself to the people of Newport by a blameless life and godly conversa tion. His resignation was not voluntary but compulsory, and continued to be a source of bitterness to his mind, until his re moval to higher honors in the church triumphant in heaven. The present officiating minister is the Eev. Mr. Brewer. It has been intimated that there is an organ in Brooklyn, New- York, -which bears the inscription as being the gift of Bishop Berkley ; now Bishop Berkley never presented but one organ, and that was to Trinity church in Newport. If the old pipes, which wore removed when the organ was repaired, were taken to Brooklyn, and worked into an organ, this does not make it the gift of Bishop Berkley. The reader can draw his own in ferences. 318 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Mr. Kay, of whom particular mention has been made as a benefactor to Trinity church, also made a liberal bequest to St. Michael's church, Bristol, of 160 acres of land on Pappoose Squaw Neck, to sustain a grammar school. What disposition has been made of the income, we are not properly apprized, but would hope that the wishes of the donor have been complied with, though such is not apt to be the case. The disregard which has too frequently boon paid to the wishes and intentions of donors, should put man on his guard, in devising property to churches. THE FIRST AND SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. In January, 1696, Mr. Nathaniel Clap, of Dorchester, in Massachusetts Bay, a graduate of Howard College, by the advice of the minister of Boston, came to Newport and preached till his death. It was not, however, tUl the year 1720, that a church was gathered and organized, and Mr. Clap was ordained and installed its pastor. November 20th, tho church consisted of the foUowing fourteen male members, -viz. : Nathaniel Clap, John Eeynolds, Thomas Brown, Culbert CampbeU, Ebenezer Daven port, WiUiam Sanford, Eichard Clark, Job Bisset, Joshua Stat- son, Kendal Nichols, (he was an influential merchant of Newport, and died Sept. 18, 1767, aged 81 years,) John Mayhem, James Carey, Nathaniel Townsend, and John Labeer. Tho church under Mr. Clap's ministry flourished, and addi' tions wore gradually made to its numbers for about three years, when the sacrament of tho Lord's Supper ceased to be admin isterod by tho pastor, and at tho same time he refused to admin ister the ordinance of Baptism to a child of Mr. Kendal Nichols, who with his wife -wore communicants of the church. He thought his church was not pure, and that its members were " not of sufficiently holy conversation" for the holy ordinance. In the original coiTOspondonco, (stiU extant,) between Mr. Clap and Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, on the subject of his refusal to baptize the infant of the latter, there is assigned no reason for such refusal, but a distrust on the part of Mr. Clap, of the Christian state of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols.- FIRST AND SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 319 This course on the part of Mr. Clap gave groat offence, and was the commencement of a fire that continued to burn for many years. The church and congregation revered their pas tor, and admired him as a truly evangelical apostolical preacher, but were displeased with his rigid course of discipline and church government. In July 20th, 1724, the church addressed a respectful appli cation to their pastor, soliciting his consent to have recourse to other churches for sacramental privileges, if bodily weakness was the only reason of his denying or withholding them, but without success. Mr. Clap, in answer to a remonstrance from B. EUery and S. Vernon, Esq., said: " I came here by the advice of the Eev. minister of Boston. I have continued here by his advice ; I have preached the Gospel here. As for you who are trying to drive mo away, I would have you to consider the awful account you wUl have to give for the damnation of the souls that will be lost for the want of my preaching." Although Mr. Clap was not inclined to assign a plausible reason, or one that was satisfactory to the church, in tho singu lar course -which he took in refusing to baptize the child of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, and subsequently in suspending tho holy ordi nance of Communion, yet tradition has informed us, that there was a vaUd reason in his mind, which led him to pursue such a course. It was owing to a remark made to him soon after his taking possession of the parsonage, which he understood was ¦ built expressly for him by Mr. Nichols. A female member of his church, who called upon him soon after ho was quietly set tled in his new home, on learning his gratification of the favor which had been conferred upon him by Mr. Nichols, she very indiscreetly remarked, that as long as he remained the pastor of the church, tho house was his. On Mr. Clap's interrogating her where she had derived her information of this fact, she repUed that she had it from Mr. Nichols. This, no doubt, led him to suspect that a possibility existed of an attempt to dissolve the connection, which at that period was viewed as solemn and as sacred as the marriage contract. The least aUusion to such an event was considered in the light of a gross insult. And it has been also said that on Mr. Nichols calUng upon Mr. Clap, 320 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. he was received with coldness, and that he at once put the question to Mr. Nichols, wishing to know of him whoso house this was. On being told it was his, he then requested Mr. Nichols at once to leave it This shows that he retained a degree of self respect, however his conduct may bo viewed by tbe pigmies and dwarfs of the present day. In tho view of Mr. Clap, it looked like an invasion of his rights, which if not checked in tho bud, might lead to dis astrous consequences to the church and to the ministry. This is the most probable reason which can be assigned for his sin gular conduct. In the year 1745, Mr. Callender, pubUshed a discourse occa sioned by tho death of his friend, tho Eev. Mr. Clap, in which ho pays a high tribute of affectionate veneration to his memory. Mr. CaUender's sermon was founded on Hebrews xiu., 7, 8. The prominent traits in his character are faithfully doUneated in the foUowing extracts from this sermon : " Tho main stroke in his character, was his eminent sanc tity and piety, and an ardent desire to promote the knowledge and practice of true godliness in others. As his understanding was above the common level, so was his learning, though he studiously concealed it. He thought his station required more than common instances of innocency, self-denial, and caution. He abounded in contrivances to do good, by scattering books of piety and virtue, not such as minister questions and strife, but godly edifying, and put himself to a very considerable ex pense, that he might by this method a-wakon the careless and secure, comfort tho feeble minded, succor the tempted, instruct tho ignorant, and quicken, animate, and encourage aU. He abounded in acts of charity to the poor and necessitous, to whom he was a kind father and guardian. In fine, he was a public blessing, as an able minister of tho New Testament, an example of unspotted piety, and an honor to religion. There are two things in which he excelled in so remarkable a manner, that I must not omit them : his care about the education of children, and his concern for the instruction of servants. " The conclusion of his life and ministry, was a peaceful and happy death, without those raptures which some boast of, but with perfect resignation to tho will of God, and good hope and humble confidence in Christ Jesus, who was the sum of his doctrine, and the end of his conversation." THE REV. MR. CLAP. 321 ¦ WhUe he was eminentiy pious, he was at the same time very eccentric. " The administrator of his estate informed the writer, that he found among the papers and dust of his study, which he never aUowed to be swept, several hundred doUars, in many little parcels, wrapped in orange peel or paper, which had probably faUen from his table, without observation or sub sequent search ; 'and likewise, another sum of considerable amount, on tho shelves of his closet, in paper, and orange-peel. " There was likewise a barrel, almost full of tops, which he had purchased of boys in the street, to show his disapprobation of the vain sport It was his custom to walk out iu a black velvet cap, and in a gown girded about his loins. In one side of it ho would carry books, and in the other cakes, and with one or the other of which ho would generally succeed in pur chasing of boys their tops, and would give thom kind advice, so that instead of fleeing from him, they loved to see him ap proach." — Reminiscences of Hopkins. Their next step, July, 1725, -was to propose a coUeague, as a means of allaying all uneasiness ; this, Mr. Clap declined. The church and congregation were determined, and the services of Mr. Bass were obtained for a short season, and after him, Mr. John Adams ; this must have been some time in 1727. Mr. Clap, after a whUo, utterly refused any association with Mr. Adams, and entirely occupied the pulpit on the Lord's day, not giving opportunity to the other to preach. This exasperated the people to such a degree, that nearly half of both churches and congregations withdrew, and met in a separate place, under Mr. Adams' ministry. In 1728, an ex-parte Council of Churches was convened on the 3rd of April, which, after solemn supplication to God for his gracious presence and direction, came to the following result, unanimously agreed in, upon mature deUberation. The CouncU then went on to say, " that as Mr. Adams had received a vaUd caU to the coUeaguoship with Mr. Clap, thoy affection ately advised Mr. Clap and his friends to consent to Mr. Adams' ordination ; and if they would not, thoy recommended the aggrieved party to use the same house of worship, for the time being, one in the morning and the other in the evening, with their respective pastors." Mr. Clap persisted in having no intercourse with Mr. Adams. 322 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Tradition informs us, that when the CouncU had assembled at the parsonage, to endeavor to adjust the differences which existed between a portion of the church and Mr. Clap, he came from his study with a plate in his hand, containing as many figs as there were ministers present, and after handing them round, until he came to the last, remarked, " here is a fig for you all;" and immediately retired to his study. This illustrates the moral courage of the ministry at that day. A new church was organized, and Mr. Adams ordained their pastor, April Uth, 1728. The Lord's Supper was ad ministered on Lord's day. May 11th, 1728. The place of worship where Mr. Clap then preached, was situated in Tanner-street, and its occupancy by Mr. Adams, contrary to his wishes, was so displeasing to him, that he would not consent to preach in it again. A now house was erected, which at present is occupied by tho Unitarian Society, under tho pastoral care of the Eev. Mr. Brooks. When the house was completed, and thoy had brought him tho key, tho first question he asked, was, " Is it paid for ?" On being informed that a small balance remained unsettled, he handed back the key, and not until the debt was cancelled would he consent to occupy the house, which was quickly done. Such was the moral principle of that day. Mr. Whitfield, in his Journal, in his remarks on Mr. Clap, says, " His countenance was very heavenly, and he prayed most affectionately for a blessing on my coming to Ehode Island. I could not but think I was sitting by one of the patriarchs." Dean Berkley was intimate with Mr. Clap, and often spoke of his good deeds, and exemplary character. Ho said, " Before I saw Father Clap,. I thought tho Bishop of Eome had the most grave aspect of any man I ever saw ; but really, the minister of Newport has the most venerable appearance." The Eev. Mr. Clap continued his pastoral care over the First Church, until his death, though he abandoned tho house, as before remarked, to Mr. Adams and his Church. 1733. This year, the Second Congregational Church bmlt a now meeting-house, in Clarke-street. The Eev. Mr. Adams was dismissed, February 25th, 1729 — 1730. DISPERSION OF THE CONGREGATIONS. 323 April 21st, 1731, the Eev. James Searing was ordained over the Second Church. He died January 6th, 1755, aged fifty years. May, 1740, the Eev. Joseph Gardner was ordained copastor with Mr. Clap, over the First Church, and was dismissed June 10th, 1743. June 20th, 1744, Jonathan Helier was ordained co-pastor with Mr. Clap, over the First Church, and died May 27th, 1745. He was a very ingenious and excellent man. October 30th, 1745, the Eev Nathaniel Clap died, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. His remains lay in the Arnold burial ground, at the rear of the Unitarian Church. October 29th, 1746, the Eev. William Vinal was ordained pastor of the First Church, and was dismissed September 21st 1768. April 11th, 1755, Eev, Samuel Hopkins was intaUod pastor of the First Congregational Church. October 22d, 1755, Eev. Ezra Stiles was ordained pastor of the Second Congregational Church. It was a most curious ooincidonce that two such minds should have been settled over Newport churches the same year. At the settlement of these distinguished di-vines, Hopkins and Stiles, over the churches in Newport, they were in a flourishing condition, and continued so many years, and many additions wore made to thom ; but, in 1744, the difficulties connected with tho relations that existed between Great Britain and her American Colonies, began to give warning of the conflict that ensued. Newport began to decUne, commerce forsook her wharfs, many dwellings were emptied of their inhabitants, and the churches were in a great measure forsaken. Dr. Hopkins had removed his family ; and, in 1776, he himself left, and returned to reside with his family in Groat Barrington, Massachusetts. On the 23rd of October, 1 775, the remnant of the Second Society met, and determined it to be inexpedient to continue public worship during the winter, in consideration of the tumul tuous and evacuated state of the town. In the following March, their pastor loft Newport, and these churches were destitute of ministers, and their members scattM-ed abroad. 324 ¦ HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND: Both the houses of worship, during the war, had been used as barracks for the soldiers. The boll of the First Church was carried to England, and the pulpit, pews, and fixtures, were demolished. The Second Church fared but Uttle better ; for, though the pulpit was loft standing, tho enemy had put up ai chimney in tho middle of it, and destroyed the pews below, and in tho gallery. In tho spring of 1780, Dr. Hopkins returned to his parish, to witness a scene of desolation and misery; some of tne iiiem- bors of the* church and congregation had died, many had sought other homes, and those that remained, were so im poverished aud dispirited, that only a few had the moral courage to think of reviving their church. But they were eventuaUy able to succeed. It has already been remarked, that the enemy had completely destroyed the interior of the cbmrch, and their limited resources prevented thoir refitting it, on'ly in a plain manner. For year& there was no paint on the pews, and the impression was visibly seen in the aisles, where the British soldiers had struck tho muzzles of their guns. The people of Taunton very kindly gave them tho pulpit, which continued to be graced with Hopkins, and his successors, so long as the place of worship was used by tho society. But although there was no outwarci adorning, yet an amount of piety existed at thart period, which more than suppUed its place. Tho female members of his church wore many of them eminently pions. There was Madam Osborne, Susannah An thony, Hannah Johnson, Mrs. Douoly, with many others, " whose praise is in all the churches." Tho writings of Madani Osborne and Susannah Anthony are to bo mot with in tho Sab bath School libraries of tho land. They were the " poor of this world, but rich in faith, and heirs of tho kingdom which God hath proj)ared for tliem that love him." They were to Doctor Hopkins what Aaron aod Hur were to Moses, they stayed up his hands, and encouraged his heart under tho con flicts and trials which, as a soldier of the cross, he was called to endure. At that period, there was something witnessed liko the primitive times, when love bound the church together as one. The world bad not then the complete ascendency in the REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS. 325 human heart. There was a renunciation of " the world, the flesh, and the devil," and a childlike spirit seemed to charac terize the church. During tbe war. Dr. Stiles had accepted the presidency of Yale College, although he was not formally dismissed from the pastoral charge till after the peace ; consequently, on their re turn to Newport, the Second Church found themselves without a pastor, and continued in that state till tbe 24th of May, 1786, on whieh day the Eev. WUIiam Patton was ordained thoir min ister. President StUes was one of the most learned men that our country has ever produced. As a scholar, he was femiliar with every department of lefirning. He bad a profound and criti cal knowledge of the Latin, Greek, French, and Hebrew lan guages ; in tho Samaritan, Chaldeo, Syriac, and Arabic, he had made considerable progress, and he had bestowed some atten tion on the Persic and Coptic. Ho had a passion for history, and an intimate acquaintance with the rabbinical writings, and with those of the fathers of the Christian Church. As a preacher, he was impressive and eloquent; and the excellence of his sermons was enhanced by the energy of his delivery, and by tho unction which pervaded them. His catholic spirit em braced men of every nation, sect, and party. In the cause of civU and reUgious liberty, he was enthusiastic In his discourse on Obristian union, he says : "There ought to be no restric tions on the conscience of an honest and sober believer of reve lation." The foUowing appropriate remarks are from the pen of Chan cellor Kent, one of Dr. Stiles' pupils. " A more constant and devoted friend to the Eevolution and indopondonce of his country, never existed. He had anticipa ted it as early as the year 1 760, and his whole soul was enlisted in favor of every measure which led on gradually to the for mation and establishment of the American Union. He was distinguished for the dignity of his deportment, the poUtoness of his address, and the urbanity of his manners." President Stiles was for more than twenty years a resident and distin guished ornament of Ehode Island. December 20th, 1803, Eev. Samuel Hopkins, D.D., died aged S2jears. In his death, the church sustained a heavy loss, 326 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Though not eloquent, as was Dr. Stiles, yet there was a solem nity in his preaching which carried conviction to tho under standing and heart, and shewed the sincerity of his mind,a8 one in whom you could rely. Decision of character was preemi nently conspicuous in his whole character — a trait seldom to be mot with at tho present day. His theological views were some what peculiar, and gave great offence, though his opponents wore constrained to admit his honesty. He was a target at which the arrows of malice were thrown, but he stood, as he remarked, " Uke a brazen wall, un hurt." Charles Cahoone, who was skeptical in his, views, and rather eccentric, was disposed to annoy the Doctor by sending persons to him to buy brimstone. Such conduct was highly displeasing to the Doctor, but it never deterred bim from preaching what he believed to be the truth. Cahoone was a carver, and a specimen of his work may be seen on the roof of the house of Engine No. VI., at the head of King-street. It represents old Breton, an English rigger, dressed in his pet ticoat, trowsers, and cocked hat, with the pig-tail tobacco hang ing out of his pocket. It is s, facsimile of the person. " Dr. Hopkins was a distinguished divine. His mind was discerning, and his appUcation was almost unequaled. He sometimes devoted to his studios eighteen hours in a day. One of his peculiar sentiments, was that 'the inability of sinners is moral, not natural ; but this is only saying that their inability consists in disinclination of heart, or of opposition of will, to what is good. Combining the Calvinistic doctrine that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, with his views of the nature of sin as consisting entirely in the intention or dispo sition of the mind, ho inferred that it was no impeachment upon the character of tho most righteous Disposer of afl events, to say, not only that He had decreed the existence of sin, but that He exerted His own power to produce it. The design being be nevolent, he contended that no more iniquity could be attached to this act, than to the bare permission of sin. This is another (rf his pecuUaritios. From his view of the nature of holiness, as con sisting in disinterested benevolence, ho also inferred that a Christian should be willing to perish forever, to be forever mis erable, if it should be necessary for the glory of God and the good of tho universe that ho should encounter this destructicm. MENTISTERIAL CHANGES. 327 " Instead of the Calvinistic doctrine of the .strict imputation of Adam's sin, and of the righteousness of Christ, ho chose rather to adopt the language of Scripture in saying, that on account of the first transgression, men were made or constitu ted sinners, and that men are justified on account of the right eousness of Christ, or through tho redemption which there is in him. Another of his peculiarities is, that all sin consists in sel fishness." Ho was a man of large stature, and well proportioned ; dressed in the costume of the age, with a full bottomed wig, he presented an imposing appearance. Sept 12, 1804, Eev. Caleb T. Tennoy was installed pastor of the First Church, and was dismissed May 29th, 1815. Aug. 23d, 1815, Eev. Calvin Hitchcock was instaUed over the First Church, and was dismissed August 23d, 1820. July 25th, 1821, Eev. Samuel Austin, D. D., was installed pastor of the First Church, and was dismissed in 1826. Dr. Austin, previous to his coming to Newport, had been Presi dent of Burlington College, Vermont. He was an able exposi tor of the Scriptures. He was succeeded by Eev. WUUam Torrey, January, 1827, who was dismissed in May, 1829, rather unceremoniously. March 24th, 1830, Eev. William Boecher was ordained pas tor of the First Church, and dismissed June 23d, 1833. April 18th, 1833, Eev. WilUam Patton was dismissed from his pastoral charge over the Second Church, affor having min istered to his people for the long period of forty-seven years. If great success did not attend his ministrations, if additions were not as numerous as in some instances, nevertheless he was a pious and devoted servant of Christ, and was strongly en deared to the members of his Church. Dr. Patten -was a fine classical scholar. There was no at tempt at display in the pulpit ; he delivered tho truth, and left it with God to apply it to the hearts and consciences of his hearers. The reason assigned for his dismission, was that tho Church had been long in a declining state. This was not of sufficient weight to dissolve a connection which had existed for nearly half a century. Dr. Pa.tten had spent the energies of his youth in their service ; ho had roared up a large family in their midst f.nd aU his dearest associations wore there. It was 328 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. painful to his mind to be under the necessity of turning his back on the people of his charge, and to take up his residence in a spot where the changes had been so groat in the period of nearly half a century, that ho scarcely knew any of the inhabi tants. It would have boon far better, had the church and society proposed a colleague, and allowed the venerable servant of God to have Uved and died in their midst. Dr. Patten, though dignified in manners, and commanding tho respect of all, was yet very companionable, and at times highly amusing. A Mrs. K., a lady from the South, and con nected with some of the first families, became insane, and was placed in the family of Eev. WilUam Patten. She was rather disposed to sneer at his pretensions to tho ministerial office, which he pleasantly submitted to. Subsequently, Brown Uni versity conferred on him tho degree of D. D. Mrs. K. contin ued her attacks, when tho Doctor remarked, " Why, Mrs. K., I am really surprised that a lady of your rank and dignity, will condescend so low as to insult a Doctor of Divinity." She ap peared greatly surprised at tho announcement. " You a D. D. ?" " Yes, madam ; do you require my credentials ?" " No, sir," she replied ; and from that moment, as he informed the author, she was always respectful. The Doctor jocosely remarked that this was all the benefit he derived from the Doctorate. For many years, the Second Church was' destitute of a single male member, and was indebted to tho Deacons of the FirsL Church for tho duties which pertain to that office, in tho cele bration of the Lord's Supper. In 1833, a project for uniting these two churches in one began to be talked of, and graduaUy gained favor, until at length, on the 24th of May, 1833, the work was consummated. On the 26th of Sept, 1839, the Eev. A. Henry Dumont was installed, by an Ecclesiastical Council, the first pastor of the United Church. Tho societies being united in one, deemed it expedient to erect a now house of worship, which was accordingly done. This house was solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Tri une God, on tho 4th of Juno, 1834. The present pastor is tbe Eev. Thatcher Thayer, who suc ceeded the Eev. Mr. Dumont, and who is highly esteemed by his people. REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS. 329 The two Congregational Churches, up to the time of the death of Dr. Hopkins, enjoyed the most entire harmony. So pure and deep was the sympathy of the two pastors, that they caUed each other by the appellations of father and son. The last time that Dr. Hopkins walked out with Dr. Patton, whg at that tinie was comparatively a young man, and accompanied him home. Dr. Hopkins said, " What need have I any more of a cane, since I have your arm ;" and gave his cane or long staff, mounted with ivory, into the hands of Dr. Patten, who used it afterwards, and reckoned it among his choice things. They were like David and Jonathan, " pleasant and lovely in their fives," and in thoir resting place on earth they are not divided. They repose in front of the Spring-street church. A strong desire is expressed by tho family of tho late la mented Dr. Patton, that a monument be erected to his memory, and we trust, for the honor of the town, that no obstacles wiU be thrown in the way of the accomplishment of the object. At the same time, the church and society over which Dr. Hopkins presided for so many years, should erect a suitable monument to his memory, or join with tho family of Dr. Patten in tho praiseworthy undertaking. « The estimation in which Dr, Hopkins' writings were held in Scotland, led tho College at Edinburgh to confer on him 'the degree of D.D. It was a high honor, and showed that they highly appreciated his talents as an able theologian. Dr. Hopkins' salary, for many years, did not exceed $200 per annum, and the parsonage house, which is still standing. His study would only admit of a table, with just sufficient room to move round it ; it was there he wrote his System of Divinity, which cost him ten years' labor, and for the copyright of which he obtained $800. A wealthy lady of his church, Mrs. Wright, was in the habit of furnishing himself and wife, which then comprised his fam ily, dinner three times a week from hor own table ; and he and his companion would often take tea out, with some of ^ his pa rishioners, who were always gratified with the -visit of their pastor. Dr. Hopkins often remarked that he would not ox- change his situation for an increase of salary, so delighted was he with Newport, and the affectionate church over which he ministered. 330 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. But few such self sacrificing spirits are to be met with in this world. It was thefiock, and not the fleece he was after. He had consecrated himself to the work of the Gospel ministry, and in that service he labored until romovdd by death. He looked for higher honors than earth could possibly confer, as tho reward of his labors and toils in the service of his Lord and Master. A faithful minister will proclaim tho truth to both saint and sinner ; ho will not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. Tho commission which he professes to have received, binds him to the faithful performance of this ' duty. His office is not one of earthly appointment, if well understood — though many at this day seem to view it so, by tho cautious manner in which they wield the weapons of the Gospel, lost the minds of their hearers should be disturbed. It was not so with Hop. kins and his associates ; thoy believed that tho investiture was from Jehovah, and that obedience was required of all who bore tho vessels of the sanctuary. They put thoir trust entirely in God, and not in man for a blessing on thoir labors of love. Such were tho divines Clark, Callender, Stiles, Hopkins, Brown, Clap, Thurston, and Patton, who graced the pulpits of that day. 1787. — Last Saturday night arrived here Capt. Benjamin Pearco, in the brig Elizabeth, sixty- three days from Copenhagen, bringing aboil of about 1,100 lbs. weight, for the Second Con gregational Church of the City of Newport. " The City of Newport" is cast on the bell. It is now in the belfry of the Union Congregational Church, in Spring-street. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEWPORT, AND THE FIRST IN AMERICA. The First Baptist Church in Providence having arrogated to itself the honor of being the first in the State and in the country, it was taken for granted that their claim was a valid one, and none attempted to deny to them the honor. But recently the subject has undergone a thorough examination, which has resulted in giving an entire new version to the subject. A com mittee was appointed by the church at Providence, to investi- FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEWPORT. 331 gate the matter, of which Eev. T. C. Jameson was Chairman, wherein they report that thoy " are of the opinion that the Baptist church at Newport was formed certainly before the 1st of May, 1639, and probably on the 7th of March, 1638." In stead of submitting to the report, which, according to parlia mentary usages, they should have done, they came out with a review of the doings of their committee, and finding themselves driven to tho waU by tho weight of evidence furnished of the priority of the First Church in Newport, labored to show that it was not in its commencement Anna-Baptist, but Psedo-Baptist May 1 1th, 1639. The existence of this church was matter of pubUc record in Massachusetts : " 1639. The people of Aquedneck, gathered a church in a very disordered way, for they took some excommunicated per sons, and others who were members of the church of Boston, and not dismissed." " The church of Boston sent three brethren with letters to Mr. Coddington, and the rest of our members at Aquedneck, to understand their judgment in divers points of religion formerly maintained by aU, or divers of them, and to require them to give account to the church of their unwarrantable practice, in communicating with excommunicated persons, &c. When they came, they found that those of them who dwelt at Newport, had joined themselves to a church there, newly constituted, and therefore refused to hear thom as messengers of our church, or to receive the church's letters. Whereupon, at thoir return, the elders and most of the church would have thom cast out, as refusing to hear the church, but all not being agreed, it was de ferred." — Winthrop's Journal, 1st month, (March) 24, 1639-40. From this extract, it appears that this church, from its or ganization, rejected infant baptism, the supervision of the civil magistrates, &c., and was in fact a Baptist church. On what other ground can we possibly reconcOe the conduct of the church at Newport, in thus refusing to receive the messengers which were sent from Boston ? Most certainly, if they had been at this period Peedo-Baptist, they would never have rejected those of the same faith and order, but would have extended the right hand of fellowship to thoir brethren. It is well-known that infant baptism at that day among Peedo-Baptists, was the sine qua non, and aU who differed in this grand essential were 332 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. viewed as heretical and worthy to receive thirty stripes, which wore subsequently inflicted on Mr. Holmes and others with great severity. The charge preferred against this church was " iu their com municating with excommunicated persons." Now, it is not probable that the church in Newport would receive into thoir communion, persons of immoral character, but rather individ uals that had thought proper to exercise their own private judgment in matters of conscience. This was a .point which gave offence to the churches in Massachusetts, and led thom to view the church in Newport, as unworthy of their foUowship, having abandoned a vital principle of Christianity. There is displayed a spirit of dictation by the Congregational churches of Ma^achusetts towards this church,- which preeminently characterizes their history. Thoy came to Newport to brow beat this church, but tho church would not recognize thom as brethren of the same faith and order with themselves. They were Anna-Baptists as early as this period, for in no other sense can we reconcile their conduct towards the churches of Massachusetts, which is well-known were Psedo-Baptist, and held to tho ordi nance of infant sprinkling as a matter of infinite importance. Tho First Baptist Church in Providence has assumed two points, ;svhich she is unable to maintain : First, her existence being prior to that of the church at Newport ; secondly, that the church was founded by Eoger WiUiams. Comer, the first, and for the early history of our denomination, the most reliable of writers, ascribes distinctly and repeatedly, this priority to the Newport church. He had formed the design, more than a hun dred and twenty years ago, of writing the history of the Ameri can Baptists, and in that work which ho only lived to commence, but which embraces an account of this church, ho says in one place, 'that it is tho first of the Baptist denomination ; and clos ing his history of it, he says : " Thus I have briefly given some account of the settlement and progress of the First Baptist church on Ehode Island, in New-England, and tho first in America." From tho way in which he asserts it, tho priority of the New port church must have been a universally conceded fact. He was careful to excess, not to record as certain, that on which any suspicion rested, and yet this father of American Baptist FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEWPORT. 3^3 history, whose veracity has never been questioned, states that in age it was prior to any other Baptist church in America. It is true, and I was sorry to see it, some later hand has added in a note : " Excepting that of Providence." Who wrote this, I will not say, but no one should touch Comer's writings, unless- ho is a more reliable witness than that pains-taking and impartial man. Besides his general carefulness, he was, when he wrote the above, on the most favorable terms with the Providence church, while a difficulty had occurred between him aud tho Newport church, which caused him tho most painful feelings. This interpretation of the writings of Comer, in order to give the priority to tbe church at Providence, is most certainly an unchristian act, and shows to what miserable shifts thoy wore driven to obtain the honor which justly belongs to another. This, however, is not the first attempt to pluck the laurels from the brow of the people of Newport, and which they have too long passively submitted to ; but a redeeming spirit is at work, which wUl be put forth in defence of her just and lawful claims, as the first to rear the Baptist standard in this land, as weU as the first to pubUsh to tho world the great principle of the rights of conscience. Eev. Mr. Adlam has shown conclusively that tho present First Baptist church of Providence has existed only from 1652, and thus it cannot be the oldest of the Baptists in America. Dr. Hague, late pastor of that church, in his -' Historical Discourse," prepared with great care, and received with uncommon satis faction and respect by his people, does not deny a single state ment that Comer, or Callender, or Backus have made, but as far as he refers to this subject harmonizes -^vith them. The First Baptist church in Providence has been called the " Eoger WUUams' Church," implying that he was its first patron and founder, and this, until very recently, has been the generally received opinion. Stephen Hopkins, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, grandson of Wickenden, uniformly affirmed that Wickenden was the first elder of the existing church, and asserted this in his " History of Providence," pubUshed in 1765. Moses Brown, that venerable Nestor of Providence, as ho is called by Knowles, always held that his ancestor Chad Brown, was the first elder of the Providence Baptist church. John S34 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, Angel, born in 1691, claimed the same honor for his grand father, Gregory Dexter, ancestor of Nathaniel G. B. Dexter, Esq., of Pawtucket, E. I. CaUender, in 1738, says : " The most ancient inhabitants now alive, some of them above eighty years old, who personaUy knew Mr. WiUiams, and were well acquainted with many of the ori ginal settlors, never heard that Mr. WiUiams formed the Bap tist church there, but always understood that Mr. Brown, Mr. Wickenden, or Wiggiuton, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Olney, Mr. TUling- hast, &c., were the first founders of that church." " This shows that the general opinion of Eoger Williams being the founder and first pastor of that church is a modern theory ; the farther you go back, the loss generally is it believed, till coming to the most ancient times, to the men who knew Wil liams, thoy are such entire strangers to it, that they never heard that he formed the Baptist church there. " Among the o-vils that have resulted from the wrong date of the Pro-vidonco church, has been the prominence given to Eoger Williams. It is greatly to be regretted that it has ever entered into the mind of any one to make him, in America, the founder of our denomination. In no sense was he so ; weU -would it be for Baptists, and for WUUams himself, could his short and fitful attempt to become a Baptist, bo obUterated from the minds of men. A man only four months a Baptist, and then renouncing his baptism forever, to be lauded and magnified as the founder of tho Baptist denomination in the New World I There is another name long, too long concealed by WilUams' being placed before him, who will in after time be regarded with unmingled affection and respect, as tho true founder of the Bap tist cause in this country. " That orb of purest lustre -will yet shine forth, and Baptists, whether they regard his spotiess character, his talents, his learn ing, the services he rendered, the urbanity and "the modesty that distinguished him, will mention John Clarke, as the real founder of our denomination in America. And when Baptist history is better known than it is at present, every one pointing to that venerable church, which on one of earth's lovoUest spots he estabUshed, will say: " This is the mother of us all !" — Rev, S. Adlam, on the Origin of the Baptist Churches. Having presented the proof of the priority of the First PASTORS OP FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 335 Baptist Church in Newport, we wiU proceed to notice the most important events connected with its history Dr, John Clarke was its first pastor. The first house erected to the worship of God, was built at Groenend ; they sold tho house, and built a now one in 1708, on the lot in Tanner-street, now used as a burial place for the pastors of the church. The ground was the gift of John Clarke. Mr. Obadiah Holmes was the second pastor of this church, and was called to that office very soon after Mr. Clarke sailed for England. In him the church found a bold and fearless ad vocate for truth, and a faithful and indefatigable pastor ; which office he continued to discbarge, untU, in 1682, he was removed from the scene of his sufferings and toils by death, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Ho lies buried on tho Holmes Farm, in Middletown, now owned by Gideon Peckham, Esq., where a tomb is erected to his memory. Mr. Holmes was educated at tho University of Oxford, in England, and seems to have been well adapted to tho times in which he Uved, — times which tried men's souls. The name of Holmes has now become extinct on the island, but his doscon. dants, in the male Une, are stiU numerous in New Jersey ; some of his descendants, in the female line, are still living in Newport. After Mr. Holmes' death, the church seems to have been without a pastor, until about the year 1690, when Mr. Eichard Dingley became their pastor. He continued with thom only four years, when he loft, and went to Charleston, South Caro lina. After Mr. Dingley left, the church being few in number, and 'without any one to administer to them tho word of life, they concluded to sit under the ministry of the Eev. Mr. Hiscox, of the Sabbatarian Church. In 1711, this little band were again permitted to go up to the Zion they loved, and sit under the ministry of the Eev. WilUam Peckham, who was ordained to the pastoral care of the church that same year. Mr. Peckham continued faithfully to discharge tho duties of his office, until the increasing infirmities of age rendered assist ance indispensable to his own happiness, and the prosperity of the church. In May, 1718, it appears from the records of the church, 336 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. that a Mr. Daniel White was received to her fellowship, by a letter from a church in England, and was soon after invited by tho church to assist Elder Peckham in the discharge of his ministerial services ; but he proved a very troublesome man, and created a division in the church. In 1724, a meeting-house was erected for Mr. White, in -which he continued to hold meetings for about four years ; when, having but one individual member of his church left, he sold the meeting-house, and left tho place. In 1725, the church invited Mr. John Comer to become the colleague of Mr. Peckham, which invitation he accepted, and entered upon the duties of his office the following spring. Mr. Comer was a man of talents, and eminently successful as a minister of Jesus. Under his ministry, the number of tho church was increased. He also commenced tho records of the church before aUuded to, and to him we are indebted for much of her early history. But the prosperity and happiness of tho church, under Mr. Comer's administration, was soon interrupted by a sermon, delivered by him on Lord's day, November 17th, 1728, in which he maintained the doctrine of imposition of hands on baptized believers, as indispensable to church member ship, &c. This discourse gave great uneasiness to the church, and finally resulted in his dismission, which occurred on the 8th of January, 1729 ; they, however, parted -with their late pastor in love and peace. The sixth pastor of this church, was the Eev. John Callender, nephew of the Eev. Elisha Callender, of tho old Baptist Church, in Boston. Mr. Callender was a native of Boston, and received his education at Harvard University, in Cam bridge. He accepted the invitation of this church to become thoir pastor on tho 4th of July, 1731, and on the 13th day of October following, was set apart to that office, by fasting, and prayer, and the imposition of hands. Tho churches of Boston and Swanzey, by thoir ministers and messengers, were invited to participate in tho services. Mr. CaUender ministered in this church, during tho period of almost seventeen years, and was very o-vidently^ attended with tho approbation and blessing of God. Liko his divine master, Mr. CaUender was poor in this world's goods, " but rich in faith, and heir to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled. REV. JOHN CALLENDER. 337 and that fadeth not away." His passage through this vale of tears, though not protracted to great length, was one of adver sity, sickness, and pain. His departure from the toils and sorrows of earth, to that rest which romaineth for tho people of God, was on the 26th of January, 1 748, in tho forty-second year of his age. Mr. CaUender not only lived to secure the reputation of the scholar and gentleman, but what is infinitely more valuable, the reputation of a liberal-minded, pious, and devoted christian. His Historical Sermon, preached in March, 1738, has immor- taUzed his name. It breathes tho same spirit of religious freedom and liberality of sentiment, that distinguished the names of Clarke, Coddington, and thoir associates. His remains Ue iu the burial place in Tanner-street, Newport, beside John Clarke, which render it a consecrated spot. The following inscription was composed by Dr. Moffat, a celebrated physician of Newport : " Confident of awakening, here roposeth, JOHN CALLENDEE, Of very excellent endowments of nature, And of an accomplished education, Improved by application, in the wide circle Of the more polite arts, and useful sciences, From motives of conscience and grace, He dedicated himself to the immediate service Of God, In which he was distinguished as a shining And very burning light, by a true and faithful Ministry of seventeen years, in the First Baptist Church of Khode Island ; where the purity And evangelical simplicity of hia doctrine, confirmed And embellished by the virtuous and devout tenor Of his own life, Endear'd him to his flock, and justly conciliated The esteem, love, and reverence of all the "Wise, worthy, and good. Much humility, benevolence, and charity Breathed in his conversation, discourses, and Writings, "Which were all pertinent, reasonable, and useful. Regretted by all, lamented by his friends, and 338 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. Deeply deplored by a Wife, and numerous issue, He died In the forty-aeoond year of his age, January 26th, 1748, Having struggled through the vale of life In adversity, much sickness, and pain. With fortitude, dignity, and elevation of soul, Worthy the Philosopher, Christian, and Divine." Mr. Callender was succeeded in the pastoral office by the^ Eev. Edward Upham, who continued with them for more than twenty years, when, by death, he was removed from his labors, to that rest that romaineth for the people of God. Tho eighth pastor of this church, was the Eev. Erasmus KoUey. Ho accepted the caU of the church in 1771, and con tinued in the faithful discharge of his duty until 1778, when tho meeting-house being used as a barrack for the troops of King George, he removed to Warren. But, in a few months, tho enemy foUowed him to that place, and burnt the house in which ho resided, and destroyed his valuable furniture. In 1784, Mr. KoUey returned to Newport, and resumed his pastoral labors among his flock. But thoy wore, however, of short continuance, for, on the 7tb of November following, he was removed by death. Tho ninth pastor was the Eev. Benjamin Foster, D. D. Mr. Foster commenced his labors with the church on the first sabbath iu January, 1785, and, on the 5th of June following, was installed to the pastoral office. He continoud with them for three years, when ho received and accepted a call from the First Baptist Church in New-York. Mr. Foster was a man of superior intellect, and of high literary attainments. Ho was well versed in the Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldean languasres. In 1789, the Eev. Michael Eddy became the pastor of this church, the duties of which office ho continued to discharge for almost half a century. He possessed a Uberal mind, was a pleasant companion, and in tho sick-room, and at the bedside of death, he excoUed. Mr. Eddy departed this life on tho 3d day of Juno, 1835, in the seventy-fifth year, of his age ¦THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 339 respected and beloved by his friends, in the church and congre gation, and by the iuhabitanta of Newport. If greatness consists in goodness, then was Elder Eddy worthy of the appeUation. During his labors of love in the church, he bap tized more than five hundred, many of whom have been removed by death, and some remain unto this day. He. was assisted one year, by tbe Eev. J. M'Konsie, of Newport The Eev. Arthur A. Boss was installed March Uth, 1835, and remained with them a few years. The present pastor is the Eev. S, Adlam, who continues to be popular with bis people. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. In 1656, twenty-one members of the First Baptist Church in Newport, withdrew themselves, and formed the Second Baptist Church in this town. These brethren objected to tho original church, in her use of psalmody, restraints upon the liberty c£ prophesying, and holding the laying on of hands a matter of indifierence, which they regarded as binding on all boUovors. The grounds for this schism wUl be looked upon at this day BS too trivial to cause a separatioa. This very church, now, has an organ, agreeably to tho directions of the sweet singer of Israel, " Ptaise Him upon the organ, and let every thing that hath breath, praise the Lord." It shows the progress which has been made in the science of music, by conforming to the letter and spirit of the Bible. It -was -viewed by these brethren as sin for any to engage in sacred music but the professed members of the church, and this without the least regard to order. A choir was looked upon as an infringement, and at variance with the teachings of the apostles. The tuning fork, the pitch-pipe, was horrible, and when the big fiddle, as it was then called, was introduced into the sanctuary, it was an innovation, which could not for a moment be tolerated. But, alas ! those days of scriptural simplicity have fled, and now the organ is thought to be a necessary appendage, and its absence rendops the services far less interesting. It is stated, that when Bishop Berkeley was in this country, he offered an organ to the 340 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND Congregational Church, in Berkley, Massachusetts, which they refused to accept. It was then presented to Trinity Church, Newport. How are the times changed ! The town of Berkley was named in honor of tho prolate. The first pastor of this Church was theEev. William Vaughan, who continued with them tiU his death, in 1677. Tho second was the Eev. Thomas Baker, who subsequently settled in North Kingston. He was succeeded by the Eev. John Harden, who died in 1 700. The fourth pastor was the Eev, James Clarke, nephew of Dr. John Clarke. He was assisted in tbe discharge of his pastoral duties by the Eev. Daniel Whitman, who succeeded him in that office, in 1704. In 1729, Mr. John Comer became a member of this church, and as Mr. Whitmam was now aged and infirm, tho church iu-vi- ted Mr. Comer to assist him in the ministry. Mr. Clarke died in 1736, aged eighty-seven years. After the death of Mr. Clarke, thechurch invited Mr. Nicho las Eyers to become the coUeague of Mr. Whitman, in which he continued until Mr. Whitman's death, in 1750. Mr. Eyers died in 1759. Ho was succeeded by the Eev. Gardiner Thurston, who con tinued' to discharge the duties of a minister of Jesus Christ with groat faithfulness and success for more than forty years, when increasing infirmities of age pressed heavily upon him, and ho applied to his beloved flock to procure an assistant, to relieve him from some part of his arduous labors. Mr. Thurs ton was not distinguished for superior talents ; but he possessed, in a very eminent degree, what is infinitely more valuable — a heart deeply imbued with the spirit of his divine Master, vphich led him to labor untiringly in his service. Under his ministry, the church was united in love, and many were tho trophies of redeeming grace, through his instrumentality. He was assist ed for a few months by the Eev. Thomas Dunn ; after him, by tho Eev. William Peckham, a licentiate and member of the church. In 1799, the Eev. WiUiam CoUier, of Boston, was invited to labor as the assistant of Mr. Thurston. But in 1801, the ven erable servant of God, knowing that the time of his departure was at hand, earnestly entreated his people to procure a pastor. SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 341 and release him from the responsibiUties of his charge. Ac cordingly, in May of that year, he was permitted to witness the settlement of tho Eev. Joshua Bradley as his successor in the pastoral office. Mr. Thurston died the following year, aged eighty-two. " The memory of tho just is blessed." In October, 1807, the Eev. Mr. Gibson booapio their pastor; which office he hold till March, 1815, when he requested and received a discharge from the pastoral charge of the church, Mr. Gibson was very successful in building up the cause of- Christ, and many wiU have occasion to rejoice forever, who were made recipients of divine grace through his instrumentaUty. Tho Eev. Samuel Widown was his successor, who continued with the church until 1817, when the Eev. Mr. Elton was invi ted to become its pastor, and was ordained on the Uth of Juno, of the same year. During the year 1820, more than one hun dred were added by baptism. In 1822, Mr, Elton, having re ceived a call from the Baptist Church in Windsor, Vermont, requested a dismission, which was reluctantly granted by his affectionate people. Mr. Elton was succeeded in the pastoral office by the late lamented Gammell, December 10, 1823. Mr. GammoU's ca reer was short, but briUiant ; on the 31st of May, 1827, he sud denly expired, in the full hope of a glorious immortality. Mr. Gammell was no ordinary man ; what was wanting in classical education, -was more than made up in native talent That stifi"- Hoss and formality which is often the result of an imperfect trainina:, was not witnessed in his case. There was an inde- pendonce of character displayed in hie public efforts, which showed that he felt his acoountabiUty to hifi God, and not to man. His death was not only deeply afflicting to his family and the church of God, but lamented by thousands who had with pleasure hung upon his Up^, as the ambassador of Heaven, and listened to the impaesionod eloquence of his souL On the 27th of September following, the Eev, J. 0, Choules was inducted into the pastoral office. On the 3d of January, 1833, Mr. Choules tendered his resignation as pastor of the church, which was accepted on the 25th of the same month. In December, 1833, Eev. John DowUng was called to the pastoral charge, which call be accepted. On the 27th of March foUowing, he was pubUcly recognized as their pastor. On the 342 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. 20th of July,' 1836, Mr. Dowliag tendered his resignation, which was accepted. Tho Eev. Timothy G. Freeman was invited to become pastor of this church, on the 15'th of January, 1837, which invitation he accepted, and was set apart to that office on the 16th of March following. There is a ministerial fund of $8,000, left by the late Judge Taber, as also $1,000 for a poor fund, for the benefit of the church. SOCIKTY OF FBIENDS, OK QUAKERS. The exact time when the Society of Friends or Quakers formed themselves into a body for church government, cannot now be actually stated. When William Leddra and Marma duke Stephenson came to Newport, in the year 1658 or '59, they found their brethren here; and Daniel Gould, the first minrstor they have any account of in Newport, went to Boston with them, where the two first named were hanged, and Gould severely whipped at the carriage of a great gun, as appears by his account, written by himself, and pubUshed in 1700. The first records of tho monthly meeting commenced in theyear 1676. But it is evident that thoy wore formed into ,a society previ ous to that time, as John Burnyeat, a, minister here from Eng land, speaks in his journal of attending a yeariy meeting in Newport, as early as 1671 ; and George Fox the following year, 1672, which was held at the house of William Codding ton. In early times, the society was very large. About one- half the population, in 1700, were of that persuasion, and in that year they built the mooting bouse in which they now wor ship. There have been many ministers, and other conspicuous mem bers of that society, who lived in Newport and its vicinity. The most distinguished ministers who" appeared among them, were Daniel Gould, John Hewlett, Ebenezer Slocum, Thomas Cor- neU, Samuel Freeborn, WiUiam Anthony, Gov. John Wanton, Joseph Wanton, Dr. Clarke Eodman, John Casey, Christopher Townsend, Joseph Michel, Isaac Lawton, David Buffum, Ja cob Mott, and many others. The Mott family have ever been THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 343 highly respectable ; the property has continued in the famUy from the eariy settlement of tho Island, and the sixth Jacob now occupies the homestead. General Nathaniel Greene's mother was Mary, the daughter of Jacob Mott, of Portsmouth, E. I. Like Mary, the mother of Washington, she gave an im press to his character, which rendered him highly distinguished. He was brought up in the religious principles of the Society of Friends, of which his father was a preacher. He eariy be came fond of a mUitary life, and was most active in forming the miUtary company known as the Kentish Guards. General Greene's abilities soon attracted notice, and ho was particularly distinguished by George Washington, who deservedly placed great confidence in bis talents and judgment. When the army was formed, he was appointed Major-General. Gen. Greene was born at Potovvamet, in tho township of Warwick, E. L, on tho 22d of May, 1742. The estate is still in possession of his family. He died at Savannah, Geo., aged forty-seven years. Since the Eevolutionary war, the Society has decreased in Newport, and on the Island. There are, however, a respecta ble number, who meet, both at Newport aud at Portsmouth, and hold regular meetings in the middle of the week, on Thursdays and Sundays. Pro-vious to the war of the Eevolution, their meeting house was well fiUed, above and below ; but at that time many of its most wealthy members removed to other places, and never re turned — and it is now remarked that there are but few settle ments of Friends in the State of Now York, or in Vermont, where the seed of Ehode Island is not to be found. And it is now easily shown, that within forty years, more of this Society have removed from the Island, than now dwell upon it. This Society, at one period of the settlement, say from 1660 to 1760, was very influential in the government of the Colony. A largo proportion of its Governors and other officers, were of that denomination. Among whom may be enumerated Wm. Coddington, Nicholas Easton, John Easton, Walter Clarke, and Henry Bull, who died the last of the first settlors ; and John Wanton, Gideon Wanton, and Governor Hopkins, were all members of the Society. 344 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. SABBATTARIAN, OR SEVENTH DAT BAPTIST CHURCH. This church was constituted in 1671. Several members of Mr. Clarke's church, entertaining conscientious scruples in re gard to keeping tho first day of tho week as the Christian Bab- bath, withdrew from the fellowship of that church, and organ ized themselves into a church, with Mr. William Hiscox as thoir leader. He died May 24, 1704, in the 66th year of his age. The second pastor of this church was Eev. William Gibson, of London. He died March 12th, 1717, aged seventy-nine. He was succeeded by Eev. Joseph CrandaU, who died in 1737. Their next pastor was Eev Joseph Maxson, who was ordained as an Evangelist at Newport, Oct. 8th, 1732, and preached alternately at Newport and Westerly, serving the church with great faithfulness until his death, which occurred in September, 1748. Elder John Maxson was tho fifth pastor of this church, from tho year 1754 until his death, in March, 1778. Mr. Ebenezer David, who was converted in Brown Univer sity, during his collegiate course of study, became a member of this church, and was ordained May 31, 1775. Ho accepted a place of chaplain in tho army, in which office ho died, near PhUadelphia, March 19th, 1778. Mr. WilUam BUss became thoir next pastor. He was admit ted as a member of the church, Juno 7th, 1764, and was or dained an evangelist at Hopkinton, Dec. 7th, 1779, and was instaUod pastor of this church. Doc. 25th, 1780. He con tinued faithfully to discharge the duties of his office until his death, which occurred May 4th, 1808, aged eighty-one years. Elder BUss owned a farm at " Green-End," where he resided. His second wife was the sister of Gov. Ward. The relation ship of the people of the Island, either by blood or marriage, is quite remarkable, when tbe matter is investigated. They seem to be one family. Elder Bliss was a fine sportsman, and the neighborhood where he resided furnished much game at that period. The precision with which he took aim, and his great success, led the British, who were often present to witness his skiU, to think they had a formidable enemy to encounter in the SEVENTH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH. 345 Yankees. His remains lay buried in the family burial ground at Green-End. On the BUss farm are excavations, known as the " Bliss Mines." Tradition says " it was the work of money diggers," who beUeved that treasure was hidden there. Of thoir success wo have no moans of knowing. It was a judicious remark of an eminent professor, that " the most gold lay under the ploughshare." Some of late have attempted to invest these subterraneous passages with the marveUous, in order to excite interest in the minds of the credu lous and unsuspecting. Thoy suggest that it was the chosen retreat of the noted Kid, where he deposited his plunder, and its proximity to the ocean rendered it a safe and convenient re treat from his enemies. This, however, being of recent origin, should be received with caution, as it carries on its front a strong appearance of fiction. Since penning the above, we have conversed with Captain Jeremiah Bliss, now in the 82d year of his age, (the son of Elder Bliss.) He remarked : " I have often heard my father say that the excavations were made by his father, in tho hope of finding treasure, which he imagined was buried there." If there was no tradition on tho subject, its first appearance would lead the mind to the belief that it was the work of nature. But on a more careful examination it will bo found to have boon the work of art, as the drills in the rock are plainly visible. Tho passage from the " Mine" to Easton's Pond, was undoubtedly designed for a drain to carry off' tho water. It is, on the whole, quite a curiosity, and worthy of notice for its antiquity, without making it the abode of smugglers. The last pastor, Eev. Henry Burdick, was admitted as a mem ber of this body, January 30, 1 802, and was ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry, December 10, 1807. He continued to labor with thom until his death, which occurred October 22d, 1843. Since that period they have had no regular ministrations. This church, previous to tho Eevolutionary war, embraced a number of talented and influential men. The Hon. Samuel Ward, who for several years was Governor of Ehode Island, and a member also of the Continental Congress, belonged to this church. But the war scattered them, and greatly interrupted their prosperity. Since that time this church has never been able to recover her former eminence, and for several years past. 346 HISTORY OF RHOUE ISLAND. having but few if any additions, the church has gradually de creased, so that its present number is but eight, who reside in Newport. Their first house of worship was built at " Greene End," near Newport. THE MORAVIANS, OR UNITED BRETHREN. In 1758, the Moravians, or United Brethren, constituted a church in Newport. The origin of this church is as follows : In 1749, two missionaries, Matthew Eoutz, and George Haske, stopped at Newport, on their way to Surinam. While here, they formed an acquaintance with the Eov. Timothy Peckham, a Sabbatarian preacher, who kindly received thom at'his nouse, and introduced them to several pious persons, who desired them to preach to them tho unsearchable riches of Christ. This re quest was complied with, and at their departure deep solicitude was expressed by their hearers, that a teacher from among the Brethren might bo sent to gaiher a congregation in Newport. Those Brethren no sooner arrived at their place of destination, than thoy wrote to Bethlehem, Penn., and requested tha,t some of tho Brethren at that place, if possible, should make them a -visit. Soon after two Brethren from Bethlehem made them a -visit, and others from time to time, until the constitution of tho church, in 1758. ^ Tho first pastor of this church was tho Eov. Eichard Utley. The second pastor was the Eev. Thomas Y.arrell Tho third pastor was Eev. Frederick Smith. These were pastors of the church from its constitution until tho year 1765. - The fourth pastor was the Eov. Lewis Eusmeyer, who held this office from 1766 to 1783. From 1785 to 1802, tho Eev. Frederick Smith hold the pas toral office of this church. The sixth pastor was the Eev. Samuel Towle, from 1803 to 1819. Mr. Towle was a most estimable man ; he was uni versally beloved by tho church auri tho inhabitants of Newport, and it is a matter of regret that he and his famUy were not con tinued here. It was ascertained after he had left, that the society in Bethlehem would have afforded her aid in Newport, THE FOURTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 347 -without his repairing to Bethlehem. The infirmities of age pre vented his laboring much in the service of Christ; stiU his pre sence was consoling, with those of his amiable wife and two lovely daughters, Mary and Louisa, who have all since passed into the eternal world. His successor was Eev. George G. MiUer, who remained with the church but one year. In 1821, Eov. John G. Herman became the pastor of the church, the duties of which office he continued to discharge until 1823. The ninth pastor, Eev. Charles A. Van Vleck, served the church from 1827 to 1834. Tho tenth and last pastor was the Eev. Charles F. Seidel, who commenced his pastoral relations in 1837. For many years they have been without a shepherd, and tho flock has become greatly reduced. But a few are now to be found in Newport, and thoy have connected themselves with_ other religious bodies. The influence of this Christian body had a salutary influence on the hearts of the community ; the weapon which they wielded was love, and this alone wUI subdue the evil passions of man's nature, and fit and qualify him for heaven. THE FOURTH BAPTIST CHURCH. The Fourth Baptist Church in Newport, was organized June 23, 1783. The original members of the church were nine males, and these were chiefly from the Second Baptist Church in this town, who not feeling satisfied to remain in that church, with drew and formed another. They behoved that " where the spirit of tbe Lord is, thoro is liberty," and hence they thought aU Christians were caUed upon to exhort, and to teach in public. " Also, tho liberty and duty to prophesy or exhort, in all or any meetings of the church, was 1 most fuUy recognized and maintained." The first ministers of the church were Eev. Caleb Greene and WiUiam Moore, who wore ordained November 27th, 1796, and were succeeded by John Ormsbee, a member of the Baptist church in North Providence. 348 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, Mr. Ormsbee was ordained the 14th of September, 1821, and removed to Wickford in 1822. Between this time and 1826, Elder Greene and Elder James Graham, preached with them a short time, the last being invited to bebomo thoir pastor, but was under the necessity of returning to Boauford, S. C, in con sequence of the decease of the minister of the church in that place. Mr. Graham was a highly acceptable preacher. The next minister was James A. McKenzio, who was or dained to the pastoral office, August 12th, 1830. Mr. McKen zio was succeeded by the Eov. Samuel Eobbins, of Buxton, Me., November, 1835. This church can now hardly be said to have an existence, no more than the Sabbatarians and tho Moravians. It is painful to see churches which have once existed, lose their -visibility. METHODIST SOCIETY. Previous to the year 1805, Newport was occasionally -visited by Methodist clergymen, having o-^orsight of that district of country in which Newport was situated. In December, 1805, the presiding elder of this district was pleased to send to this place the Eev. E. Hubbard, who com menced his mission in tho First Baptist meeting-house, under the pastoral care of the Eev. Michael Eddy. Mr. Hubbard continued bore two years, and was succeeded by the Eev. Messrs. Mervin, Webb, Frost, and I^ambert, when the latter was succeeded by Mr. Webb, who became a Local Preacher, and remained with the church nine years. He was succeeded by Messrs. Mudge, Norris, Puffer, Tucker, Kent, Lord, Janson, Ely, and Cady. There is also a small church, of the Methodist denomination, in Portsmouth, in tho north part of tho island, which has a convenient house of worship, and is regularly supplied with the ministry of the word-of life. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH. 349 COLORED UNION CHURCH. In 1824, several individuals of the people of color, among whom was Newport Gardiner, who subsequently died at Li beria, formed themselves into a reUgious society, under a written constitution, by the name of the " Colored Union Church and Society, in Newport, Ehode Island." There is also among thom a society for promoting the education of colored children and youth, called the " School Friend Asso ciation," which sustains an instructress the greater part of the year. They own and occupy a very neat and commodious house of worship. Since tho purchase of tho house in 1835, it has been raised, and a basement story added, which is occupied as a school-room, &c. The people of color, in Ne-wport, are a weU-bred class, such as you seldom meet with elsewhere. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH. Soon after the extensive works at Fort Adams were com menced, by the United States, in 1825, Newport was occasion ally visited by a Eoman Catholic Priest, to look after the spiritual interests of that class of our population, belonging to the CathoUc Church, many of whom had boon induced to take up their residence in Newport, by finding employment at the Fort. Tho Eev. Eobert D. Woodley, a native of Virginia, was the first CathoUc Priest that organized a congregation in Newport, for the accommodation of which, ho purchased of E. Trevett, Esq., in 1828, the school-house, in Barney-street, whore divine service was maintained for several years. Mr. Woodley resigned his charge in 1831, and was suc ceeded by the Eev. John Corry, who officiated in that congre gation, until August, 1837. In the spring of 1833, Mr. Corry opened a subscription, for the erection of a church, which was commenced the latter part of that same year, and completed in 1836. The house is S50 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. spacious, and well-finished, and occupies a commanding sito at the head of Barney-street. The estimated cost of lot, build ing, &c., was about $4000; all of which was contributed, and paid by the CathoUcs, at Fort Adams. On the 24th of August, -1837, the church was dedicated under the title of St. Joseph, by the Eight Eev. Bishop Fen- wick, of Boston, Massachusetts. On the foUowing day, the Eov. Mr. Corry, under whose superintendence the church had been erected and completed, resigned his charge of the mission, and was succeeded by the Eev. Constantine Lee. The Eov. Mr. Corry, in a letter to the Eev. A. Eoss, speak ing of the people of Newport, says : " It is but just for me to add, that I have never seen a town in tho United States, among whose inhabitants there is less intolerance and religious bigotry. I have for six years been more or loss among them, and during that period none have denied mo the common civilities of life, because I was a Catholic priest, but always treated me with the greatest respect." And in proof of the practical existence of re- Kgious toleration in Newport, ho says : " Our church stood for upward of two years with its windows unprotected by bUnds, and during that time not one pane of glass was broken." Tho high encomium passed on the people of Newport, by the Eev. Mr. Corry, shews the CathoUc spirit which exists there, and which is the fruits of the principle of religious toleration established by Clarke and Coddington, which God grant may ever continue to influence the people. The Catholic population of Newport, numbers about five hundred. A very costly edi fice of stone is now in the course of completion, which wiU prove highly ornamental to tho town. SECOND EPISCOPAL PARISH. Early in 1 833, the Second Episcopal parish was formed in this place, by members of Trinity church. After the due or ganization of the parish, and an application of the Episcopal Missionary Convocation of Ehode Island, the Eev. John West commenced his labors as the minister of the parish. On tho 17th of March, 1833, pubUo worship commenced in the State House, SECOND EPISCOPAL PARISH. 351 from which the congregation soon removed, to the house of the First Congregational Society, at that time unoccupied. A sub scription was immediately opened for building a now church, which as soon as $600 was subscribed, was commenced. In June of the following year, the new church was completed and conse crated. The cost of the building, including organ and furni ture, together with tho lot, was about $17,000. Of this sum about $11,000 was reaUzed from the sale of pews, and the re mainder by a noble act of generosity, contributed and paid by individual members of the corporation. The Parish has now a fund of nearly $5000 in pews, and of the hundred aud twelve pews in the church, at least one hun dred of them are sold or rented. At tho present date, this parish has been but five years in existence, and tho contemplation of its history affords many pleasing evidences that tho Divine Head of the Church has poured upon it the continual dew of his bless ing. Accessions have been constantly made to the church, and on an average, the additions to the communion have been about thirty a year. The church from its commencement, has enjoyed great do mestic tranquillity and peace. No unhappy difference of opinions has arisen among them, resulting in unfriendly dissensions and divisions, or anything found on the pages of her history, to tar nish the glory and beauty of the Zion of God. The congregation is large, and their attendance on the public and social services of the church, worthy of imitation. This church has engaged in the cause of missions with a liberaUty and zeal, becoming the dignity of tho Christian char acter, and the magnitude and importance of tho groat mission ary enterprise. Their annual contributions for home missionary purposes in Ehode Island, amount to not less than $150, and for foreign missions and other benevolent purposes, their contribu tions equal, if not exceed that sum.. The present Eector of the church, is the Eev. Mr. Watson, a man universally respected by his parish, and whoso labors have been eminently successful in advancing the interest of the Ee- deemer's kingdom in the world. 352 msTORY OF rhode island. EPISCOPAL CHURCHES IN PORTSMOUTH. In the year 1834, a missionary was sent by tho Ehode Island Convocation, to Portsmouth, E. I. A parish was organized, under the name of St. Paul's Church, and within one year, a respectable house of worship was erected, and with the aid of about $1200 in contributions, from EpiscopaUans in other places, was entirely paid for. At the same time, a^fund was secured in pews for tho support of the minister, amounting to more than one thousand dollars. The labors of a zealous, de voted missionary in that place, have boon blessed to the gather ing of a respectable congregation, and an addition of about forty members to tho communion of tho church. The Ehode Island Convocation has contributed towards the support of tho minister of tho parish, up to the present time, nearly $2,000. The church of St. Mary's has been subsequently organized in Portsmouth, and a neat and tasteful church of stone erected by tho munificence of Miss Sarah Gibbs, the daughter of the late George Gibbs, Esq., an eminent merchant of Newport. In Middletown, the Third Episcopal Church has boon organ ized, and a neat structure has boon erected, called the " Church of the Holy Cross." Eev. Mr. WiUiams is the present Eector. THE UNITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. An Association of gentleman friendly to Unitarian views of doctrine, was formed in this town, October, 1835. Thoir ear liest meetings for Divine service, were hold in tho State House ; in the course of the foUowing month, thoy purchased of the Fourth Baptist Society in this place, the church in Mill street. This church had originally belonged to the First Congregational Church and Society, over which the celebrated Dr. Hopkins presided for many years as pastor. A charter was granted to this Association by the General Assembly of the State, at their January session, in 1836, iucor- CHURCHES OF THE CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION. 353 porating them as " The Unitarian Congregational Church," in Newport. Soon after this, the society commenced rebuilding and remodeUing the old house in MiU-street, worshipping in the mean time at Masonic Lodge, in Church-street. The work was completed in tho Spring of 1836, and for elegance, neatness, and taste in its internal arrangements, is perhaps unoquaUed in Ehode Island, excepting Trinity church. The new house (for only the frame of the old building had been retained, together with tho corner-stone, bearing the inscription, " For Christ and Peace,") was dedicated on the 27th of July that same year. The Eev. Charles T. Brooks of Salem, Mass., was culled as the first pastor, in Jan., 1837, and ordained June 14th of tho same year. The organization of a church was begun in tho summer of 1837. The Communion of the Lord's Supper was first administered on Sunday, October 3d, and continues to bo administered monthly. Tho Eev. Mr. Brooks married a daughter of tho late Benj. Hazard, Esq., of Newport, and continues the able and efficient pastor of this church, respected and beloved for his amiable traits of character, which preeminently distinguish him in the varied walks of Ufe. CHURCHES OF THE CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION. There are three churches of this denomiuation on tho Island, — two in Middletown, and one in Portsmouth. Tho first church in Middletown was organized Oct. Uth, 1828. Their first pastor was the Eev. Harvey SuUiugs, who served the church with acceptance for nearly five years from its consti tution. They own a very neat and commodious house of worship, about throe mUes from Newport, erected soon after the organi zation of the Church. Tho house of tho Second Society stands on tho oast road, about three miles from Newport. The church in Portsmouth was constituted Oct. 16th, 1834. Its first pastor was the Eov. Salmon Tobey. His ministry com menced with this people in April, 1834, and continued for two years, during which time six members were added to the church. 354 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND. His successor in the pastoral office of this church was the Eev. John Taylor. Ho commenced his labors with them on tho 1st of June, 1837. The house in which they worship was erected in 1821, by voluntary subscription, and is caUed the Union Meeting-House. It is pleasantly located on the east road about six mUes from Newport. FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE. " The first date upon record of a new meeting-house at Ports mouth, is of a monthly mooting being held at our new meeting house 2d month 28th, 1702." There was a house built prior to this, "which was sold and afterwards converted into a barn." As the records of tho So ciety were mostly destroyed, the exact date of the first house can not bo ascertained. The yearly meeting formerly commenced at Portsmouth on Saturday, but tho change in tho mode of traveling has led to tho commencement of the services at New-'port, as being more convenient for tho Society. CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWPORT. In 1847, a portion of the Second Baptist Church seceded, organized a Church, and invited tho Eov. Henry Jackson to be come their pastor. He accepted tho invitation, and is stiU laboring among them. Thoir place of worship is in Clarke- street, formerly the Second Congregational house, where tho late Eov. WiUiam Patten, D. D., labored for nearly half a cen tury. The spirit which has characterized the various religious bodies on the Island, has been as catholic as could have been expected in tho nature of things. It was not to be presumed that where a diversity of sentiment prevailed, there would be necessarily a perfect agreement in all things ; but they have rather agreed to differ on non-essentials, regarding practical CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH. 355 Christianity as the sum and substance of evangelical religion. No where does the character of tho Sa-viour appear more lovely and attractive, than when his divine power was exorcised to soothe and mitigate tho evils of hunger and nakedness, with all the attendant miseries which flesh is heir to. And the grati tude which is e-vinood by the subjects of His compassion, was iu some degree equivalent to the sincerity which prompted those humane and benevolent acts. In truth, there is no blessing like sympathy ; " It soothes, it hallows, elevates, subdues, And bringeth down to earth its native heaven. Life hath nought else that may supply its place ; Void is ambition, cold is vanity, And -wealth an empty glitter without love." Ik Dill" @i ©y[ig©[iD[i[i[^i The Hon. John H. Clarke, United States' Senator, Ehode Island George B. Holmes, Ehode Island E. Carrington, Ehode Island Thomas Burgess, Ehode Island N. B. Crocker, Ehode Island The Et. Eov. J. P. K. Henshaw, D.D., Bishop of Ehode Island J. H. Eames, Ehode Island Thomas F. Carpenter, Ehode Island W. S. Greene, Ehode Island E. Dyer, Jun., Ehode Island WUliara Grosvenor, Ehode Island J. Balch, Jr., Ehode Island W. B. Burdick, Ehode Island N. Smith, Ehode Island Allen Brown, Ehode Island H. N. Slater, Ehode Island Benoni Harris, Ehode Island R. Newcomb, Ehode Island George Z. Earl, Ehode Island Marshall Woods, Ehode Island E. P. Mason, Ehode Island E. B. B urges, Ehode Island Thomas SukiU, Ehode Island 8. Aug. Arnold, Ehode Island 0. G. Dodge, Ehode Island B. J. Brown, Ehode Island E. J. Arnold, Ehode Island James E. Brown, Ehode Island Benjamin CowoU, Ehode Island The Hon. A. C. Greene, United States' Senator, Ehode Island 358 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. John H. Ormsbee, Ehode Island B. D. Weeden, Ehode Island Eesolved Waterman, Ehode Island Alphous Burges, Ehode Island Prince Davis, Ehode Island Eichard Waterman, Ehode Island Nelson H. Mowry, Ehode Island H. C. Gardiner, Ehode Island H. B. Lyman, Ehode Island H. W. Bradford, Ehode Island Hartford Tingloy, Ehode Island William S. Patten, Ehode Island John I. Hall, Ehode Island George Grinnell, Ehode Island Albert S. GaUup, Ehode Island T. D. Bound, Ehode Island Charles Potter, Ehode Island S. Dorr, Ehode Island Baker T. Wesson, Ehode Island J. C. Brown, Ehode Island S. G. Arnold, Ehode Island A. D. Smith, Ehode Island W. C Snow, Ehode Island James Mulchahey, Ehode Island John C. Tower, Ehode Island Samuel Merry, Ehode Island George Alexander, Ehode Island Benjamin Allen, Ehode Island Alexander Eddy, Ehode Island W. B. Sayles, Ehode Island Lewis L. Miller, Ehode Island Hon. N. E. Knight, Ehode Island J. D. Burgess, Ehode Island Gideon Palmer, Ehode Island Hon. Charles Jackson, Ehode Island Ebenezer Wood, Ehode Island WilUam H. Bogman, Ehode Island E. A. Webster, Ehode Island James T. Hawes, Ehode Island Honorable A. Simons, Ehode Island LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 359 John B. Herreshoff", Ehode Island Samuel Dexter, Ehode Island Edward E. Young, Ehode Island Menzies Sweet, Ehode Island WiUiam Fletcher, Ehode Island Bailey W. Evans, Ehode Island Thomas Vernon, Ehode Island Nathaniel G. B. Dexter, Ehode Islaud Henry Marchant, Ehode Island Honorable Tristam Burges, Ehode Island H. Foster, Ehode Island Samuel Marlor, Ehode Island Hezekiah AUen, Ehode Island WilUam P. Bullock, Ehode Island Samuel Osgood, Ehode Island John B. Ames, Ehode Island Thomas Greene, Ehode Island Thomas C. Hartshorn, Ehode Island A. Caswell, Ehode Island Elisha Harris, Ehode Island Earl Carpenter, Ehode Island WiUiam T. Pierce, Ehode Island C. L. Bowler, Ehode Island H. Barker, Ehode Island E. Ham, Ehode Island Miss Goddard, Ehode Island W. A. Clarke, Ehode Island WiUiam Gardner, Ehode Island Benjamin Watson, New-York EeV. Evan M. Johnson, Now- York Eight Eov. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, D.D., New- York Eev. Samuel Sebury, D.D., New-York Charles H. EussoU, New-York Eov S. H. Tyng, D.D., New-York T. E. Minturn, Now- York E. E. Ward, New-York J. Ward, New-York Eev G. T. BedeU, Now- York Honorable J. Prescott Hall, Now- York C. A. Busteed, New- York 360 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. John Bristed, New- York Eev. WiUiam Berrian, D.D., Now- York Eev. William E. Eigenbrodt, New- York David P. Hall, New-York Eev. C. S. Henry, Now- York E. B. Minturn, Now- York Eev. Ed. Y. Higboo, D.D., New- York Eight Eov. J. M. Wainwright, D.D., Now- York Commodore M. C. Perry, United States' Navy August Belmont, New-York Eov. J. F. Schroeder, D.D., New-York WiUiam D. Mumford, New-York B. A. Mumford, New-York Eev. Francis L. Hawks, D.D., New- York A. Bloomer Hart, New-York Major-Gon. Winfiold Scott, United States' Army, New-York Rev. W. H. Lewis, D.D., New- York Eov. B. 0. Cuticr, D.D., New-York Eev. Francis Vinton, D.D., New- York Eev. Benjamin Evans, D.D., New-York Eov Lewis P. W. Balch, New-York Eev. Jesse Pound, New-York Eight Eev. Henry J. Whitehouse, D.D., New- York M. W. Dwight, New-York Gold S. Silliman, Now York John S. Stone, Now- York Isaac Pardee, New-York W. A. Muntravers, New-York E. S. Howland, New- York W. Everett, Now- York Cornelius E. Duffie, New- York Clement 0. Moore, New-York WilUam J. Hoppin, New-York G. Curtis, New- York S. CahooD, Jun., Now- York Thomas D. M'Gee, New-York Eev. Benjamin I. Haight, D.D., Now- York Samuel Hazard, New-York Joseph Harrison, New-York Thomas E. Hazard, Portsmouth, Ehode Island LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 361 J. H. GiUiot, New- York John Caswell, New-York E.~ W. Buloid, New- York E. Buloid, Now- York E. M. Olyphant, New York 8. A. Crapo, New-York Hamilton Hoppin, New-York Peleg Hall, New- York George Collins, Now- York Frederick A. Farley, New-York Mrs. E. H. Thurston, New-York Silas Holmes, New- York George S. Coe, New-York L. P. Eobinson, New-York James E. Gorton, New-York WilUam ChUds, New- York James Fellows, New-York Eichard Cornell, New- York James S. TiUey, Now- York P. M. Aberorombio, New-York Thomas A. Whitaker, New- York James Jacobs, New- York C. A. Talbot, New- York 8. H. Cahoon, New-York J. Greenwood, New-York Henry B. Melville, New-York George 0. Tuppor, New- York G. L. Willard, New York Z. Ingalls, New-York A. G. Peckham, New- York Stanton Bebee, New-York Edward Anthony, New-York Isaac H. Cady, New-York A. B. Thomas, New- York C. B. Lo Baron, New-York John Davol, New- York J. A. Sprague, New-York Nehomiah Knight, New- York PhiUp TiUinghast, New-York WilUam Brenton Greene, New- York 362 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Edwin Hoyt, New- York Elbert J. Anderson, New-York Mrs. Martha M. Anderson, New- York L. M. Eoffman, New-York Waldon PoU, Now- York Henry H. Ward, New- York E. H. M'Curdy, New- York Isaac Otis, New-York H. C. De Eham, New- York Charles Marsh, New- York C. L. Anthony, New-York Mrs. Auchmuty, Now- York Eobert W. Aborn, New-York G. M. Gardiner, New- York James N. Olney, New-York Charles Congdon, New- York M. H. Grinnell, New- York Joseph Bridgham, New-York John Jay, New- York ¦ George E. Sheldon, New- York Isaac Arnold, Now- York Thomas T. Sheffield, New- York D. H. Gould, New-York John E. Bigley, New- York W. A. Work, Now- York C. V. Spencer, New- York T. W. Wilber, New- York John F. PhUUps, New-York H. T. Wetmore, New- York N. Goffry, Now- York D. S. Kennedy, New- York WUIiam EUery Sedgwick, New-York S. T. Caswell, New-York C. H. Van Brunt, New- York John D. M'Konzio, Now- York Francis B. Cole, New-York William H. Douglass, New-York Pierre C. Kane, Now- York Samuel Johnson, New- York Eobert T. Douglas, New- York LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 363 E. Douglas, New- York T. J. Carr, New-York C. G. Snow, New- York P. G. Taylor, New- York Henry Eugglos, Now- York Samuel Ward, New- York Hon. George Bancroft, New-York Stephen WilUam Smith, New- York J. H. Mahony, Now- York A. Gracie King, New-York Howard C. Cady, New-York James Edwards Smith, New-York Edward Dodge, New-York C. Jenks Smith, New-York Eev. Thomas H. Skinner, Jun., New- York W. B. Lawrence, New- York Eev G. Spring, D.D., New-York Eov. Erskino Mason, D.D., New-York Eev J. M'Elvoy, D.D., New-York Eov. W. W. Phillips, D,D., New- York Eev. W. Patton, D.D., New- York Eev. Joseph C, Stiles, New- York B. D, SiUiman, New- York E. W. Dickinson, New- York A. A. De Motte, New-York Charles Dickinson, New- York John B. Ward, New-York Eev George Potts, D.D., New-York Eev. John M. Krebs, New- York George Dickinson, New- York Eev. I. S, Spencer, D.D., New- York Ealph Malbone, New- York Eev. M W. Jacobus, D.D., New-York Eev. Samuel D. Burohard, D.D., New- York Eov. John Knox, D.D., New- York WiUiam Dumont, Now- York Eov. Samuel H. Cox, D.D., New-York Eev. John M- Macauley, New-York Eev. N. J. Marselus, New-York Eev James Benjamin Hardinbugh, D.D., New-York 364 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Thomas Adams Emmet, New- York C. ChampUn, New-York J. J. Lyons, New- York Samuel E. Johnson, Brooklyn, Long Island Ezekiel Ostander, New-York John H. Baker, New- York P. Balen, Now- York J. Eich, Now- York S. Knowlton, New- York E. K. AlBurtis, New-York Horace Southmayd, New- York Eev. Henry Chase, New- York Eev. S. H. Cone, D.D., New-York A. C. Wheat, New- York Eev. WiUiam E. WilUams, D.D., Now- York John C. Thatcher, Now. York John H. Ormsbee, Jun., New-York Samuel P. Eobinson, New-York Samuel J. Jacobs, New-York James Eobinson, New -York Eight Eev. John Hughes, D.D., New- York WilUam Eichmond, New- York Cyrus H. Fay, Now- York David Buff'um, New-York Eev. Ira E. Sto-ward, New- York T. B. StiUman, New- York Benjamin Babcock, New- York Charles D. Ehody, New- York Courtlandt Palmer, New-York Eov. E. H. Chapin, New- York Eov. M. S. Button, D.D., New-York Eev. J. M. Mathews, D.D,, New-rork Eobert S. Slocum, New- York J. Guidioine, New-York W. Ames, New- York Eov N. Baird, D.D., New- York Theodore Dehore, New- York John E. Van Nest, Jun., New-Yoi-k H. WiUiam Chanuing, New-York Samuel L. Bush, New- York LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 365 E. Martin, New- York John Blunt, Brooklyn J. W. Brinley, Now- York Edward Brinley, United States' Navy Ezra Jones, New-York L. W. Gibbs, New- York Edward Macombor, New- York W. W. Eussel, New- York W. C. Eussel, New-York Edward J, Manee, New- York Joseph W. Taggart, New-York J. H. Weston, New- York D. Bigler, New- York Eev. James M. Macdonald, New-York John C Guldin, New-York James Coggeshall, New- York Isaac T. Hopper, New- York John H. Blvier, New- York W. C. Eowers, New-York Philip S. Crooke, Brooklyn Blandina Dudley, Albany Eev. J. IL Hob art. New York A. Lo Barbie, New- York W. B. Ogdon, New- York B. B. GrinneU, Now- York Eobert A. Durfoe, New-York George S. Easton, New- York P. W. Engs, New- York Edward Minturn, Now- York Augustus Whiting, Now- York J. Thorndiko, Now- York Benjamin B. Hawkins, Ehode Island E. F. Newton, Ehode Island Timothy Coggeshall, Ehode Island J. Thayer, Ehode Island George Jones, Ehode Lsland E. P. Leo, Ehode Island M, H. Gould, Ehode Island T. E. Hunter, Ehode Island Charles Hunter, Ehode Island 366 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Hon. H. Clay, Ashland, Ky. James Atkinson, Ehode Island Samuel B. Vernon, Ehode Island Thomas Brinley, Ehode Island Alfred Hazard, Ehode Island E. B. Lawton, Ehodo Island Charles Sarriall, Philadelphia, Pa. WiUiam V. Taylor, Ehode Island Eev. D. E. Brewer, Ehode Island Eev. Thomas E. Lambert, United States' Navy Levi H. Gales, Now Orleans Sarah Bailey, Ehode Island Joseph I. Bailey, Ehode Island Honry Bull, Ehodo Island D. C. MiUett, Ehodo Island S. Gibbs, Ehode Island Eov. W. Williams, Ehode Island N. B. Crocker, Ehodo Island Hon. Byron Diman, Ehodo Island WiUiam G. Hammond, Ehodo Island WiUiam H. D'Wolf, Ehode Island E. King, Ehode Island Mrs. T. H. Sweet, Boston, Ms. Eobert E. Carr, Ehode Island Mrs. L. M. Breoso, Ehode Island Mrs. George Engs, Ehodo Island John Hopper, Ehodo Island Eev. H. Potter, D.D., Albany, Now- York Samuel Brown, Ehode Island Jenny Lind, Stockholm H. AUen Wright, Ehodo Island De Lancey Kane, New- York Albert Sumner, Ehode Island Charles Lyman, New-York T. Tompkins, Ehodo Island WiUiam B. Spooner, Ehodo Island Mrs. I. D. M. Perry, Ehodo Island Henry Waterman, Ehode Island Thomas BrowneU, United States' Navy, Now York Alexander Burgess, Ehode Island LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 367 W. B. Burdick, Ehode Island Mrs. James, Ehode Island Samuel AUen, Ehode Island James B. Bliss, Ehodo Island D. H. Braman, Ehodo Island Jeremiah C. BUss, New-York John 0. Patton, New- York John W. Eichmond, New- York WiUiam E. Andrews, New-York W. E. Danforth, New- York Hon. Charles T. James, United States' Senator, Ehode Island J. Bullock, New-York Washington Hoppin, New-York Edward Soagravo, New-York William WUey, New -York Edward J. O'Brien, New- York Bernard O'Eeilly, New- York WiUiam C. Chapin, New-York WiUiam Newton, Now- York D. T. Swinburne, New-York Samuel Adlam, New- York James Fitton, New-York WiUiam Sanford Eogers, New-York Major G. W. Patten, United States' Army Col. Gates, New-York James Cook Eichmond, New- York Jacob Babbitt, New- York Honorable John Brown Francis, Ehode Island Joseph L. Gardner, New-York Charles Smith, New-York Robert Eogers, New -York Charles C. Burdick, New-York Rev. J. Stokes, New-York George J. Bailey, New- York Oliver Potter, New-York Edward Van Zandt, New- York Joseph Sherman, New- York Albert Sherman, Now- York WUIiam J. Eoborts, New-York T. W. Sherman, United States' Army 368 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS Joseph Joslen, Now- York James Brickhoad, New-York Mrs. Harriet L. Murray, New-York WUIiam Littiefield, New York A. B. Belknap, New- York E. L. Maitiand, New-York 0. J. Chafeo, Now- York J. P. Darg, New- York A. Eobeson, Jun., New- York E. S. Sattorlee, New-York Alloyno Otis, New-York Eichard Peterson, Now- York Benjamin J. Cahoono, Now- York MarshaU C. Slocum, New-York Andrews Norton, New- York Eobert S. Hone, New- York J. S. Hone, New- York Hon. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire Samuel Powel, Ehode Island James Burdick, New-York James C. Forsyth, Now- York E. E. Hazard, Jun., New- York Mrs. E. Moss, Philadelphia, Pa. Joseph L. Moss, Philadelphia, Pa. Honry Lazarus, PhUadelphia, Pa. David Sears, Jun., New- York Jacob A. Horritt, New- York Honry Brewerton, New-York Eear- Admiral Wormeley Mrs. Morrish Sarr.uel, New-York Mrs. Julia Lawrence, Ne-n'-York G. H. Calvert, Now- York Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, United States' Senator, Chicago, IU. Miss Minis, Savannah, Georgia Joseph Few, New- York Isaiah Eogers, New-York FoUx Peckham, New-York Jos. B. Weaver, New-York J. G. Weaver, New-York David G. Cook, New-York LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 369 George M. Dexter, Now- York M. A. D'Bruen, New-York Eichard C. Derby, Now- York E. A. Sherman, New- York A. Eitcbie, New-York T. EiddeU, New-York A. G. Stout, Now- York J. M. Middloton, New- York J. S. Pringlo, New- York Nathaniel Greene, New-York Henry A. Middloton, New- York P. A. Stockton, New- York E. M. Mason, Ehode Island Samuel AUen, New-York Isaac Gourd, New-York George Tiffany, Baltimore Md. 8. W. Butter, New-York W. J. Munro, Now- York E. B. Cranston, New- York E. M. M"unro, New- York 8. A. Gardner, New- York AmeUa Do Jongh Damaris C. Chaco, New- York E. G. Wallop, New-York John Bull, New-York G. G. King, New-York A. N. Littiefield, New- York George W. Taylor, New- York Joseph Thomas, New-York EUsha Atkins, New-York Mrs. Stephen Bowen, New-York E. M. Staigg, New-York Thomas Aston Coffin, New-York Charles Dorony, New-York Capt. MacKinnon, E.N., Lymington Arnold WUbur, New-York WiUiam S. Vose, Now- York Stephen Hammett, New- York Joshua Appleby WUUams, New-York Edward A. Hassard, New-York 370 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Daniel Boone, New- York Edwin Wilbur, New-York John Eoss Dix, New- York W. P. Congdon, New-York Nathaniel Holt, New-York Wymbuley Jones, New-York Mrs. G. Jones, New-York Charles Eussel, New- York Euth 0. Thurston, New- York G. W. Sherman, New- York C. Ehodes, New-York A. J. Potter, Bath, Me. WiUiam Bailey, New- York Joseph Case, New-York Giles Mardenbro' Eaton Honorable Frank Pierce, President of the L^nited State Wanton S. Carr, New-York OUver HuU, New-York WiUiam Burnet, New-York i'alnabk THK FOLLOWING VALtTABLE BOOKS ARE PUBLISIIED BT JOHN- B. TAY£OR, 17 Ann-St., Ne-iT.-yort. And are rent by mM—Jree of postage— to any part of the United States, o» tlw receipt of orders, with the money : THE DAUGHTERS OF ZION. ^ BY REV. 8. D. BUECHAED, D.D., OP NK-V7 TOBE, Illustrated with \2fine Steel Engravings. 1 TOl 12mo, cloth, $126 « " gilt edges, ... . 2 00 " « extra, - - - - . . 2 50 " morocco, .... .-850 1 vol. 8vo, ftili cloth, extra gilt, - - - - - -8 50 ** morocco, - - - - - - - -500 MUSINGS OF AN INVALID. BT THE AUTHOR OF "FANCIES OF A WHIMSICAL MAN." 1 vol. 12mo, cloth, - - - - - - - $1 00 OPTNIONB OF Tira PRESS. A more sincere and wholesome protest against the false life and unsocial tend encies of the times, we have not met with. Charles Lamb miffht so have brealhcd out his soul after a five years' residence in this country. Indeed, our author has a mind more Itindred with that quaint and gentle moralist, than any American wlio has written. There is much admirable preaching in this book, whieh evidently comes from a heart tried by bitter experiences, and which is conveyed in such grotesque wit as to commend it to the most unwilling listener. The truth is, the book ia a disguised sermon upon the folly of worldliness, unbelief, and ill-temper, recited in a thunder-storm of grumbling, with flashes of saturnine humor and ?uaint imsg'nation illuminating the preacher's queer but earnest face. — Ghi'iiMcm nquwer S BOOKS PUBLlSHEti BY JOKN S. TAYuOR Wlioever the author may be, however, and whatever may be his bodliy state, he has clearly no need of a physician to " minister to a mind diseased." in an Intellectual sense, the "invalid" lays about him with uncommon vigor, uttering novel opinions with boldness, wit tempered by wisdom, and wisdom sharpenea with wit. — Home Jowrnal. He shows a sensibility to the beautiful, and a heart to love what is noble and true. "We have foUowed the wanderings of his mind, often with the deepest at tention, always with interest. We have once or twice caught ourselves In aup posing that the writer of the "Keveries of a Bachelor" might have had a hand in the authorsnip. — Svetrymg Post. This work reminds us of the "Eeveries of a Bachelor," that much-read and justly commended work of Ike Marvel. The "Musings of an Invalid," like the " Eeveries of a Bachelor," show great perception of character, as well as a very happy faculty of conveying his impressions to the reader. No one can read this work without positive benefit, aud acquiring more enlarged and truer ideas of the value of life. — Gazette of the Union. A better book than the " Eeveries of a Bachelor." — Da/y Boole. Those who have read the "Lorgnette" papers and "Eeveries of a Bachelor," by Ike Marvel, with pleasure, can not but enjoy those " Mutterings and Mnsings," and all who read them, will credit them with great merits. — New Yorker. His pages are not without wisdom. They are crowded with terse and vigorous sentences, and prove a reflecting mind and a philosophic nature. — C7tristoM» .fifcoTTimer. This is one of the most delightful books we have looked into. There is no mis taking the source of these "Musings ;" they spring from a kindly heart and an original, refined intellect. To us they seem like the "Eeveries" of an old ac quaintance (Ike Marvel.) — Moriving Sta/r. Earely have we been treated to so fresh, piquant, and nervous a Toluma Every sentence is bold, startling, and replete with v^or, and bears the impress of a keen, sensible, and original mind. — Long Island Mar. This book is something altogether unique in the literary world. One moment it reminds us of Charles Lamb, then of some other writer who has charmed us ; but in the end we are compelled to fall back upon the conviction, that it is de cidedly original. It is full of the deepest and most wholesome thought, while a vein of the richest humor enthralls you. These "Musings" must be the thoughts of a sick chamber — the veritable siftings of no ordinary mind, breaking loose from disease now and then, as a fan- struggle is given between the strong mind and a feeble body. The man who wrote this volume must bo well worth knowing, if his identity could be once established. To chat with a mind like that, one hour each day, would be a treat indeed. We have quite set our heart on finding out who the author is. This bears evidence of being his first literary effort; may the rest only equal \X.— Peterson^ s Ladies'' National Magazine. FANCIES OF A WHIMSICAL MAW. BT THE AUTHOR OV "MUSrNGS OF AK INVALID." 1 vol. 12mo, cloth, ... , $1 00 OPINIONS OF THE PEESS. The Musings of an Invalid," by the same -writer, were -n-ell received by care ful and jiidicious cntios, and are gaming for their unlcno-ivn author an enviable reputation. The present -worlc wUl, we predict, secure a still -wider popularity, and be more acceptable to that class of readers who appreciate well-dra-wn and faithfiil strictures of the fashionable foibles of modem society, written in a forcible. piquant styV- -Merchants'' Magaeine. BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR. 3 Otr. Attention has been called to this book, because it has been severely abated in certain quarters, whore every thing which is not radical, or which du3s not savor of infidelity and the "Progress" which is identical with an attempt to de stroy all the Institutions of civilization and religion, is habitually condemned. Wo confess that the title did not much prepossess us in favor of the work; but wo must also confess that having once opened it, we very soon arrived at the conclu sion that it is one of the very best books of the day, and that the author, who is unknown to us, is assuredly a man of no ordinary promise. As a specimen of sarcasm and irony, this little book has rarely been exccUeil. And the author not only thinks soundly and conservatively upon all subjects, but ho writes with a vigor and directness which are exceedingly refreshing iu this age ofnanibypduibylsm. If there be any fault to flnd with the author, it is in the severity of his sarcasm aud the unspal-ing manner in which he lashes the follies, aud vices, and absurd ities of the day. But even this is atoned for in the manly and fearless defense of /i§;ht and of the old-fashioned principles of religion and equity which pervades this book. — New York Cov/rier and inquirer. We noticed at some length and with decided favor, the previous work by this author, the ^' Musings of an Invalid." The invalid has laid aside his chamber negligee aud come forth as quite a stout and eupeptic man. The present work has all the spirit of its predecessor, and a far broader range. It is full of pithy thoughts and sharp sayings. The tone of the book is earnest, and, on the whole, kiudly, respectful to all hearty workers, and somewhat savage upon all ambitious theorists. — Ghriaiiam. Inquirer. This new volume is worthy of the reputation acquired by its predecessor, and will considerably increase the public deaire to learn the name of the author. He certainly wields his pen with a rare combination of grace and vigor. — Pittslyumg Saturday Visitor. We do not know when we have been more entertained than by the reading ot this book. It came to us unheralded from an anonymous source. We opened it, intending simply to glance at the contents, and if thoy were attractive, to lay the volume aside tor future examination and notice. We had reckoned without our host. The first few sketches completely enchanted us, and we found ourselves spirited along from page to page, even to the end. The contents embrace short chapters, the subjects of which are generally suggested by the doings of the day in large cities. The thoughts are original, and they arc expressed in equally original language. Sarcasm is a prominent feature of the booli ; sarcasm, too, of the rarest quaUty. It also abounds in wit and humor of the best quality. — OTvurcli's Mzarre, Phil.. The rich field chosen by the author gives full play to his vigorous and original mind, and piquant or nervous style. Those who have read the "Musings," need not be told that he is just the man to glean and bind up an inimitable sheaf of " Whimsical Fancies." Its perusal will take the frown off the face of " dull care," and thereby cheer and lengthen life, besides communicating many wise, striking, and improvable thoughts. — Mngliampton Democrat. We are pleased with this book. There is a quaintness about it that is almost unrivalled. The satire is gentlemanly, yet sufficiently pungent ; and the oddities are rather more quaint than grotesque. The author has too much feeling to be severe, and too much generosity of soul to misrepresent. — Hartford Daily Oourant. This is a very clever book, by an author, whose previous work, mentioned in the title page, has secured for him a favorable reception on tliis his second ap pearance. Tlte sketches are lively and spirited, and the reflections have the great recommendation of never being tu:esome, as sensible reflections so often are. — N. Y. Evetning Post. There is a vein of quiet, keen wit running through this book, that holds the reader as by a charm. The author is certainly a genius of no common order ; and though he modestly conceals his name, we can not loubt that he has entered on a career of authorship that will secure to him the rXghest literary distinction.— Da0y A]i>a^ Argus. i BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TA LO^. In this volume we see the same adventurous, original, philosophic and amusing eeiiius at work we had occasion to notice some time ago from the sa ne r<:p> call- Id "The MusinKS of an Invalid." The articles are interspersed here aod there with Ihliigs trcfoe and faceliom, with a vein of philosophy running tlirough th» whole, which always commands readers. TL%, we believe, is the second work of this original author, but we hope it will not be the last. There is a »«« of thought where this material comes from that is wortli workmg.—New York Oha^^aii Intelligencer. The author is evidently an unpraoticed "writer, but a man of mature thought, who, as he becomes accustomed to the pen, wiU attr.act a constanUymcreLsing at tention ftom the reading public. He is a little too careless m his tlirusts at what he deems the follies and vices of the age ; and in his zeal for the truth, sometimes strikes right and lea wilh more vigor than discretion ; but in spite of his seeming want of orthodoxy, his heart appears right, and is evidently in his -wort, ihe earnestness thus acquired, joined with a caustic humor, and an original and stak ing faculty of illustration, wiU cause the book to be widely read, even by those who come more or less under the lash of tho writer. Notwithstanding that the author, under the guise of an editor, speaks posthumously of himself, we trust that he will not be thus lost to the world, but appear among the armed host th:j Bide of the river of death.— -Mot York Journal of Oommerce. SALANDER AND THE DRAGON: A Romance of the Hartz Prison. BT FEEDEEIOK WILLIAM SHELTON, A-M., EEOTOK OF ST. JOHN^B OntTBCH, irUKTINGDON, LONG ISLAND. iTOl. 12mo. niustrated. Enll cloth, - - - $J (H » « » . _ It 1 vol. 18mo, Sunday-school Edition, - - • b\ OPINIONS OF THE PBESS. Since the days of John Bunyan, there has not been given to the Christian worlt SO beautifhl an allegory as this. Its design is to exhibit the pernicious effects of slander, and surely no one can contemplate this odious offspring of tho dopravefi heart as it appears in this fanciful sketch, without abhorring and despising tht reality. The names of the several characters are signiflcautiy choseu, aud the grouping is managed with a fine artistic eff"ect. The style comports with tha chaste simplicity which should characterize an allegory, in which the veil should not be so elaborately and closely woven as to hide the modest meir. of fruih be neath — T/ie Independent {New York). A volume, small and quaint, but very clever ; and we have read it, every line of it, at a sitting too, and take the pen iu hand to suggest to the reader of this tha he go and doltkewise. Startled hewiUbe at the title, "Salander and the Dragon,* but the first page will reveal the story aa an allegory, of which the great master of that species of writing need not be ashamed. — The Presbyterian. I regard this volume as one of the most successful attempts at the Bunyan style of allegorical writing I have ever read. A copy came into my hands not long since, and was read with absorbing interest. 1 then put it into the hands of my oldest child, a girl some ten years of age, and found that it waa read by hei with equal avidity, aud the characters and delineations well understood — a very good test, I judge, of the success of the author in the execution of the work. Na one can rend " Salandeb" without King struck at the unveiling of the true character and the disastrous consequences of Slamder. It ought to find a place in everj family. — New York Ch\'%stimh Advocate and Jbumal. BOOKS PUBLISHED BV JOHN S. TAYLOR. 6 A very ingenious use of Iheallcgor}', to illustratt; the lit-formity aud evhof^«7» ^er and Envy. Tlic excellent lesson is mure iinprcsstvcly set forth by this pic- tures-55 of pofta{/e, to any pai t of tho United States, on the receipt of orders, with tlie money. Address, JOHIV S. T.4YI>OK, P!ibUs5>er, 17 ANN STREET, NEW YORK. N.B. Any valuable Books to be had In New York, fiirnUhed by J. S. Tatloe, at the lowest ca.*=h prices. U BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR. A GREAT NATIONAL WORK. FROM Stuart's most celebrated painting. This large and magnificent FULL-LENGTH POETEAIT of WASEINQ- TON, from the burin of an American Artist, is considered by all who have seen it to bo one of the most beautifal specimens of art ever published, and a corr Ukeness of WASHINGTON. Tho size of the plate is eighteen by twenty-eight inches, which will make a handsome picture for the parlor, and should be in the hands of every American citizen. It is a correct copy from Stuart's celebrated original Painting, now at the State House, Hartford, Conn. It is finely engraved, and printed on superior plate paper. That it may be within tho means of all, the Publisher has reduced the price to ONE DOLLAE. ^^~ AH persons remitting the amount may rely upon receivmg a perfect copy by return of mail, to any part of the United States (carefully put up on rollers made for the purpose),/re6 of postage. PORTRAIT OF KOSSUTH. On steel, 16 by 22, - - •• - - - . - $1 00 It ia finely engraved, and printed on superior plate paper. That it may bo within the means of all, the Publisher has reduced the price to ONE DOLLAE, ^W All persons remitting the amount may rely upon receiving a perfect copy by return of mail, to any part of the United States (carefully put up on rollers made for the purpose), /res of postage. Address all orders (post-paid) to the Pubhsher, JOHlJr S. TAiriiOR, BOOKSELLBK AND PUBLISHEE, ir ANN Street, New York. ^t talus' iBBpsakt ul Mumt ICilirnrtf, PUBLISHED MONTHLY, TEEMS, ONE DOLLAR PER TEAR AU oommunications should be addressed to JOHIV S. TATL,OR, Publisher, 17 ANN STREET, NEW TOEK. -•y— ^^CiC'%'-f'l..OLe-C^<^'^'^^^^''^ (^^h^^^ly^Ut. !^€,/&H^A^ <*2 J^. ¦ii5^^>i^e-!^ c^ , tJji -^"^^n^Ce^ /4 EEPUBLIOANISM VS. JESUITISM ! THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK OF THE ACE. CARLOTINl m THE JESUITS, By EDMUND PARRENC. In One Vol. 12mo., 432 Pxges. JUST PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOE, No. 17 Ann Street, New York, And fbr Sale "by all Booksellers. " At the present period, there are but two great powers in the world, the one representing the past, with it« attendant burden of ignorance, :rimes, and miseries, called Catholicism, or Romanism ; the other :antending for the present, and foreshadowing the future, known as Republicanism, or Liberty, or Protestantism. All other powers, either iivU or religious, are but secondary constellations, moving in yarioos >rbits around these two principles, according to the amount of Liberty or Despotism they contain, " The past Roman Catholicism— concealing her fondling. Despotism, ander the cloak of religion : — the present Republicanism — inscribing on its broad flag. Liberty, and the regeneration of mankind." CONTENTS. CHAP. PAQj. INTRODUCTION .. 6 1 THE ANGEL OF THE FIELD ,. 9 2 AN EASY WAY OP QETTINQ A STANDING IN SOCIETY .... 27 3 HARMONIOUS ONDERSTAKDINQ OF TWO ARISTOCRATS, AND THEIR LOVE FOR INTRIGUE . ...... 38 4 AN ITALIAN PATRIOT 54 5 PATRIOT, MONK, AND ARISTOCRAT.... 70 6 A JESUIT IN PETTICOATS 88 7 PURCHASE OF A YIELDING CONSCIENCE 109 8 CHURCH EDUCATION FOR CATHOLIC GIRLS 126 9 ADRIAN, OB A ROMAN CITIZEN UNDER THE PAPAL GOVERN MENT , 143 10 THE HOY AND THE SOLDIER .... 159 11 LOVE AND PATRIOTISM 177 12 SCENE FROM A BOOP 210 13 PRIEST AND WOMAN 223 14 A MEETING OF SANFEDESTI 247 16 CONFESSION OF A RENEGADE 270 16 THE CONSPIRACY OF THE SANFEDESTI 281 17 AN HOLOCAUST TO LIBERTY 304 18 THE MARRIAGE AND DEATH OF ADRIAN 317 19 FATHER FRANCISCO AND SIGNOBA SAVINI 331 20 ELOPEMENT OF A WOMAN WITH 4 PRIEST 351 21 NICOLO SAVINI AND MATHIAS »ORH 864 22 THE CAPTORS AND THE CAPTIVES "'2 28 TWO WOMEN, OR LOVE AND VENGEANCE 388 24 CONCLUSION • OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. F^om the New- York Evangelist. Carlotina and the Jesuits.— A powerfully wrought tale, founded upon and weaving into its narrative, the scenes of the revolution in Rome in 1848, under the title of Carlotina and the Sanfedeste, or a Night leith the Jesuits at Home. The principal in terest centers in the heroine Carlotina ; but the other characters are but thin disguises of the promiiieirt actors in that scene. — Using the vices, arts and terrible power of Popery as the mate rial, the fervid imagination of the author has produced a story of exciting and absorbing interest ; while the political and reli gious sentiments it inculcates, are such as Americans cannot help approving. The reader gets,, among the deepest impressions of the book, a profound sense of the evils and terrors of Jesuitism, and is carried far towards the adoption of Father Qavazzi'a prin ciple, destruction to Pt^ry. 2 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Prom, the Christian Parlor Magazine, A book in such an attractive form, so true to nature, will be inquired for, purchased and read. The whole tendency is so hap py, the moral and religious tone is so unexceptionable, that we earnestly hope it will gain a wider circulation than even TJncle Tom's Cabin, that now goes rapidly even in foreign languages. Let every one who can obtain this work read it, if for nothing else than to thank God for our security against so dreadful a snare, and the good fortune of living in a land where civil and religious libery are enjoyed unmolested. May the author of this volume be spared to produce another as interesting and as pro fitable. Prom the Tribune. — Detroit. It portrays, vividly and truthfully, the recent struggles of the Republicans of Rome, against the damning corruption, lust and wickedness of the Jesuitical Priesthood of the Church and Pope of Rome, in its efforts to perpetuate ignorance and despotism. We heartily wish this little book in every family, and especially in the hands of every American citizen, whether Adopted or Native, Catholic or Protestant ; for it matters not in what nation or creed au American citizen may have been born and educated, he owes to the American Government the duty to read, examine, and study well the principles upon which that Government is founded and must be perpetuated — be owes it to himself to think for himself— io scan, compare, and contrast well, in his own mind, the teachings of any and every person who would influence him in his actions as an American Preem/in. Prom the Christian Chronicle — PhUadelphia. In this book Catholicism in its true nature, and history as the enemy of civilization and liberty is sketched in glowing and truth ful terms by a pen highly skilfol and eloquent. The author OPINIONS OP THE PRESS. 8 charges the miseries of the past in Papal countries upan tfcds very apostate religion, and represents every where, and at all times, as in antagonism with republicanism. His strong positions are not overwrought, but fiiUy sustained by the facts in the case. We are truly glad that, one so well qualified has entered on this task. The book will do much to open the eyes of the public on the character of Catholicism, and to prepare for its successful resist ance as encroachments are continually made. Prom the Christian Observer — Philadelphia. The woof of this interesting story is composed of two great ideas, which claim tho attention of theologians, patriots, and statesmen everywhere : Ist; Catholicism in every country where it controls the popular mind, is in open antagonism with the pro gress of civilization. It is the foster-mother of ignorance, crime, misery, and despotism. 2d. Its direct antagonist power is Re publicanism, inscribing on its broad, open flag the liberation of mankind. Prom the Trumpet — Boston. Catholicism is on the increase; it exercises a great influence on the destinies of the world. All the countries of Europe are more or less swayed, or acted upon, by it. Where Catholidsm is paramount, civilization is at a low ebb, as in Mexico, South America^ Spain. Religious liberty decreases under Catholicism. That species of, reUgion is double-faced; it accommodates itself to .despotism or republicanism to gain its ends, while all the time it is striking at the liberties of mankind. To show these expresr sive facts is the object of the story before us. The Italian pea santry ; the Signora a Jesuistic agent of priesthood ; the greedy host wavering between money and liberty, but finally yielding to the latter ; the unflinching patriotism of Adrian, dying for his fellow-companions in democracy ; the precocious genius of the 4 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Italian boy, Jeronimo, whose devotedness to fVeedcm, and repug nance to Catholicism foreshadows in vivid light, the spirit of coming generations ; the innocence, love, and recantation of Carlotina, the talent, ambition, and passions of Father Francisco, a priest, whose eminent faculties, forced into a wrong channel by the compressing hand of the Church, were rioting in vices, instead of progressing in virtues; — all these characters, moving in the circle traced round them by the principles they professed, are painted in keep ing with the strictest law of the logic of the human mind, and also in accordance with time, locality, and the teachings of his tory, the records of the Roman Church, and the late events of the Italian Revolution. Let us have a republican literature. — Let us have books which will impress upon the hearts of the peo ple a love of the institutions of our country, especially our Freo Schools ; and awake them to the dangers with which Catholo- cism surrounds them. Prom the Literary World. It is just in the vein and temper to pique curiosity, and set in motion all the elements which belong to the two great worlds of Protestant and (Roman) Catholic readers. The plot is sufiScient- ly involved to keep us in a maze, the incidents crowd on with ac tivity and despatch, and altogether the work is done up in a style so vivid and provocative of attention, that all those who make it a pastime or a business to read, will regard '• Carlotina " as a windfall of the flrst quality. There is a certain foreign fla vor in the style which, while it is well suited to the subject, ar rests attention pretty much as a smack of the brogue or dialect does in living speech. Prom the Western Christian Advocate. The author of the work — Mr. Edmund Farreno — informs us that he was led to the writing of it by a conviction of the silent, OPINIONS OV THK PRKSS. 5 yet greatly-increasing power of Jesuitism throughout the world at the present time. He has furnished the public with a volume of unflagging interest, and none can get up from its perusal with out the conviction of the deep, dark, and everlastingly-hypocriti cal character of these intriguers against human freedom and liberty. Prom the Portland Transcript. Catholicism and Despotism ! Protestatism and Liberty I These are the themes of this work. It exposes the workings of the Church of Rome, and especially of the Jesuits. It comprises many facts in regard to the policy of the church, and the condi tion of the Roman people. As a tale, although the author pro fesses to have drawn his characters from nature, we think they sometimes overstep the limits; the plot is involved, the incidents numerous and exciting, and the whole work is one that will at tract mnch attention. Geo. Lord, Exchange St. has it for sale. FVom the Southern Christian Advocate. It is designed to exhibit Popery in its moral and political enor mities, as the enemy of all righteousness, and a veritable child of the devil. The scene is in Pontiflcal Rome ; the time, the revo lutionary outbreak of 1848 ; and the characters, priests and wo men, republicans and aristocrats, and a general grouping of the corrupt masses that seem to settle down in the ironically called holy city, as the grand reservoir of all the villainous compounds of creation supplied by sewers from the corrupt sources of all civilized and heathen lands. It seems impossible to transcend the limits of truth in depicting the monstrosities of Popery. Im probable as some of the scenes appear, the fathomless abyss of Popish deceivableness of unrighteousness will yet vindicate their correctness, and justify tho sad memorials of the man of sin. 0 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Prom, the Christian Mirror — Portland, This is a book which will be read. The scene of tbe transac tions which it narrates, is Rome and its neighborhood ; the time that of revolution, which caused the Pope to flee. The Sanfedesti were a secret society of Jesuits, who plotted every conceivable method but honest and upright ones to repress the spirit of liber ty and defeat all efforts to secure it. They even planned and at tempted to execute a St Bartholomew tragedy. Carlotina is a lovely girl, whom a female Jesuit was employed to draw from I^er lover all the plans and secrets of the patriots, even at the cost Ojfher, own honor — a sacrifice which; happily, the girl was not re quired to make ; hex unsophisticated mind yieldedito the aii^- mentsof her lover, and she herself became a Protestant. Here are many affecting developments of the iniquitous, oppressive, apd wily charapter and tendency of the papal system of religion^ the demoralizing and tragical results,, which, in its wcdsing, it brings about Prom the Evening Mirror — New York. CARLOTINA, OR THE SANFEDESTI. Such is the title of a work written by Edmund Farrenc, a French exile now in this city^ and issued from the press of John 3. Taylor. Ii is the most thorough and pungent expose of Jes uits And Jesuitism, as the enemies of human freedom, that has' ever attracted our notice. We shall not attempt an analysis of the plot, nor a description of the characters introduced — ^not' wishing to subtract from the interest of those who wiU get and read the volume — further than to say the scenes are laid in Italy at the period of the late revolutions, and that the Jesuits, who figure everywhere prominently, are convicted of producing through their religious, political, and ruffian organizations, the reaction which, beginning with the strangling of the Roman Re public by France, ended in the subversion of every attempt to give the masses sovereignty in Europe. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 7 English and Austrian diplomacy are exhibited as laboring with this Jesuit brood to ovei-Hirow liberty and the people. The ori- gia, creed, aad djaraeter of the J«suJts, suriained by copiotis ex tracts from their own records, are traced In aH Hhea: blood-thirsti ness and infamy. The priest-Jesuit and the woman-Jesuit — the latter, Signora Savina, a polished she-devil — are forcibly limned, also the confiding girl-Ohorister Carlotina, who, taught to rever ence ithe church above her conscience, is beset by the priest to worm from her lover, a republican soldier aA Rome, the secrets of the republicans, even at the sacrifice of her virtue, is splen didly drawn. Ciceroacchia, (BrunettL,) the great friend of the republicans; the noble boy Geronimo, wIkd eounter-plots against the she-Jes uit Savina, and the soldier lover of Carlotina, are rare pictures, and said to be taken — as we may believe — with the general inci dents of the book, from life and fact The volume abounds with descriptive beauties, and is vigorously written throughout It shows that liberty has no enemy so dangerous as the Jesuits of the Roman Catholic Church. The volume appears at atime best calculated for it to strike an effective blow at the subtle criem^ Of our institutions, at work everywhere around and among us. It harmonizes with the eloquent writings of Gavazzi. That it will be widely sought and read, we believe, for it is as candid and manful, as it is earnest and pungent Prom the Daily Times— Cincinnati. THs work 5s one of the best that has issued from the press' of the United States. It is well remarked, that Catholicism and »e^ publicanism are now the two great antagonistic powers of thii earth. All other powers, either civil or religious, are but secon.' dary moving as satelites around these two great centres: Ca^ tholicism, representing the past, with its ignorance, ""^es^"^ miseries; Republicanism, contending for the P'^f™*-;"* !^«- shadowii the future, and having inscribed on its banner, Liber. 8 OPINIONS OP THE PRESS. ty. Equality, and Fraterraty. This work is deeply Intore&tiBg^, and is truthful in its delineations- of character, scenes and events. Read it, and learn to discover the secret schemes and open as saults of the agents of Despotism. P'om the National Democrat — Nero York' If bold writing, vigorous descriptions, an exciting plot, and vividly drawn characters will command attention, it will do it The book has many fascinations of plot and description. The sketches of character persuade us thait the wrfter is an acute ob server, a genial thinker, and a man of much humor as well as sentiment. The characters are drawn with a masterly hand, and the dialogue in s^eneral is managed with good efi6ct and dnt- matic power. From the Pwritan and Recorder — Boston^ This work, regards GathoKcism and Republicanism as the twc* great powers now existing in the world ;, and of coarse it connects. the freedom and happiness of the world with the downfall of the one, and tho triumph of the other. The characters are for the most part admirably sustained ; and the lessons inculcated are so> palpable, that no one can mistake them. It is a werk of no in considerable talent, and cannot fail to make itself felt in the most Jsaportant controversy of the age. Prom the New York Star.. This work is written to illustrate the powerful antagonism, of Catholicism to Republicanism, is well written, and in the delinea tion of character, nature has been scrupulously portrayed. Each character is complete in itself; aad are coincident with the his tory of the Roman Church, and the late events of the Italian levoliitioiK The book should be in every library, illustrating as it does the struggle now waging between the two great ruling powers of the earth — religious despotism and liberty. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 9 Prom the Atlas— New York. The scenes so vividly portrayed in this book were enacted in Borne during the late short and sanguinary struggle for liberty and republicanism in that "Eternal Ci;y." In our opinion it gfives a very accurate idea of the state of society, and the condi tion of both the common people and the priesthood in that part of the world. The author takes the ground that the Catholii religion is the natural enemy of liberty and the destroyer of ro- ¦?ublicanism, and of course his book is written in that spirit. It ic I very interesting work. From ihe Daily Advertiser — BrooHyn. This book is evidently intended as the embodiment of great principles, and is one of those very few works where some fiction is well used to portray important truths. The author very well says in his introduction, that at the present period there are really but two powers in the world, the one is Popery and despotism, representing the past, with its attendant burden of ignorance, srimes, and miseries ; the other is Protestantism and liberty, civil and sacred, contending for the present, and foreshadowing the future. Those powers he considers as two grand centres, around which all other powers revolve, according to the amount of lib erty or despotism which they contain. These remarks, which, for substance, are those of the author, give us a " bird's eye view " of the book. The scene is laid in Rome in the year 1849, during the struggle for liberty which then took place, and which describe, in a most graphic manner, the unholy manceuvering of the Jesuits, male and female, to accomplish their wicked schemes. Many of the incidents are truly startling, all are interesting, and on the whole, it is one of those books which the man who takes it up will be unwilling to lay donna until he has finished it. Prom Parker's Jowrnnal — New York. This is a noble work, and one well calculated to arouse the at tention iif the community to that great struggle which is being XO OPINIONS OP THE PRESS. rapidly brought to a crisis — tbe struggle, namely, between the Protestant tendencies of liberty, and the tyrannical '* stay-where- we-areativeness " of the Roman Catholic Church. The abstra<^ theories of freedom, and the real effects of Jesuit influence are set forth in glowing colors. The plot is ably constructed, and the interest sustained to the conclusion. We wish for Mr. Far renc the success he merits — more his ambiti(H> does not covet. Carlotina is a book which every one should read, and which it is the duty of every friend of freedom to promote and circulate. From the Highiamd Eagle. The attractive syle in which this book is written, its plot, pro gress and consummation',, the efaaracters, language, and matter of fact disposition of the colloquial arguments which compose the material part of its history, and the variety of valuable facts that relate to the Roman Catholic religion, which are not to be found in ordinary history, renders this work a fit candidate for public favor. No one can read it without a shudder and a pious indig nation at the villainous power of priestcraft as exercised in down-trodden and crashed Italy. With a two-edged sword the author lays open the putrescent mass of cormptioD, and th? reader can behold the skull and bones, the tortures of the in quisition, the soulless, defiling criminality that lurks under the cowl and surplice. From the News — Norfolk^ Va. The scene of this tale, as its title implies, is laid in Rome m flie year 1847, and is designed to illustrate the feelings and prin ciples which prompted the Republican movement throughout Italy at that time. The author says that the characters are por trayed from nature. Whether this be the fact or not, they are drawn with vigor and spirit, and no one can in honesty, what ever he may think of the fidelity of the pictures presented in this work, deny its ability and interest. Tt*V J- '1 '• * (ill Pg ,3*^