USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 37
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There is a Treasurer, Secretary and Attorney General ; who, toge- ther with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, are chosen annually by the people or qualified èlectors of the State. There are annually
40
314
GENERAL VIEW
two stated sessions of the legisature, in the months of May and Octo. ber, and usually two adjourned sessions. The possession of a freehold is a necessary qualification to being admitted to the privilege of an elector.
The judicial power is vested in one supreme court, consisting of five Judges, whose jurisdiction extends throughout the State; the inferior or county courts, of which there is one in each county, comprising five Judges ; and in single magistrates. Both the supreme and county courts hold two sessions annually in each county.
The municipal or local authority is vested in a town council, consist- ing of not less than five, nor more than seven freeholders, chosen annu- ally by the freemen in their primary assemblies. This council pos- sesses ample authority to manage the various concerns of the town, and to superintend all its local interests. The town council have also probate jurisdiction, and hear and determine all matters of a probate nature, which occur within their respective towns ; an appeal being allowed in most instances to the higher courts. A town-clerk is annu- ally chosen in each town, who is also clerk of the town council and of the probate court, and register of deeds for the town.
Institutions and Associations .- There are at the present time (1819) 33 incorporated banking institutions in this State, including the branch of the United States' Bank, at Providence. These banks are located as follows : seven at Providence, five at Newport, five, at Bristol, three at Smithfield, two at Westerly, one at Warren, one at Paw- tucket, one at Pawtuxet, one at Cranston, one at Gloucester, one at Burrellville, one at Scituate, one at Coventry, one at Greenwich, one at Wickford, and one at South-Kingston. Two of these institu- tions, one at Smithfield and one Bristol, have not yet commenced bu- siness.
The amount of banking capital here is doubtless much greater, in proportion to the population, than in any other State in the Union; although this excess is not as great as might be supposed, from the num- ber of banks, as the banks of this State, possess, comparatively with those of most other States, but moderate capitals. The policy or expediency of extending the banking principle, so far as has been done in this State, and especially of doing this by the multiplication of institutions, as has been the case here, is at present, perhaps, to be re- garded as problematical ; as there may not as yet have been sufficient experience of this policy to authorize a satisfactory decision as to its utility. This State, we believe, affords the first example of a general distribution of banks, especially in agricultural places. It has been a common sentiment, that banking operations should be confined to com- mercial towns; but we see no good reasons for this opinion, which may, in some measure, owe its existence to the circumstance of the failure of some interior banks. But the operation of banks ought not to depend upon deposits, nor any other resource (as all others must be more or less precarious) than a substantial capital ; and where this
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315
OF RHODE-ISLAND.
exists, it is difficult to conceive why banking operations cannot be as safely and as successfully carried on in an agricultural or manufacturing town as a commercial one, although the former may not admit of the same extent of business. The failure of interior banks has doubtless been owing to their having gone into operation without a specie capi- tal. It is apparent that an agricultural district, of equal population and wealth with a commercial district, does not require the same extent of banking operations ; yet, if monied institutions are considered as a convenience, and as contributing to the public prosperity, it is difficult to perceive the justness of that policy which would confine these ad- vantages to particular sections, and to particular classes of citizens. The very appearance of a monopoly of privileges is objectional, and ought, as far as possible, to be avoided. This State is perhaps the, only one which has attempted an experiment, as to the utility of the general distribution of banks; and so far as the trial has been made, it is believed that the result is satisfactory.
Besides the banking institutions, there are 10 Marine and Fire In- surance Companies, possessing, generally, ample capitals ; six of which are in Providence, two in Newport, one in Bristol and one in Warren.
Militia .- The militia of the State are organized into one division, four brigades, and fourteen regiments ; and, according to the last returns of the Adjutant-General, amount to 8350.
Population, &c .- The territorial limits of this State being very small, it became, at an early period, filled with inhabitants ; and has, for the last fifty years, in common with the other New-England States, been a nursery for the western country, having afforded an immense number of emigrants. It has also furnished a large proportion of sea- men ; and the mercantile pursuits and habits, which extensively prevail, have occasioned considerable emigration to the commercial cities of the middle and southern States. From these causes, the increase of population, for the last fifty years, has been inconsiderable ; although it is supposed that the rapid extension of the cotton spinning busi- ness, within the last ten years, has in some measure checked emi- gration, and promoted an increase of population. If this business continues to prosper, and receives that extension, which there is reason to expect, it must tend greatly to the increase of the population of the State. Rhode-Island contained, in the year 1730, 17,935 in- habitants ; in 1774, 59,678 ; in' 1782, 52,442; in 1790, 68,825 ; in 1800, 69,122 ; and in 1810,. 76,931. The area of the State, exclu- sive of the waters, being estimated at 1095 square miles, gives a po- pulation of 70 to a square mile; so that this is unquestionably the most populous State, in proportion to its territorial limits, in the Union.
Literature, Primary Schools and Seminaries of Learning .- This State has not sustained a very high reputation for literature; and it has generally been considered, that what it possessed has been almost exclusively confined to the towns of Providence and Newport. How
316
GENERAL VIEW
far this opinion may have been correct, at any former period, it is not necessary to inquire. It is, however, probable, that the subject of education, both in the higher and common branches, was formerly an object of less attention in this, than in most of the other New-Eng- land States. But, however education may have formerly been neg- lected, it is but just to observe, that for some years past it has receiv- ed an increasing attention ; and its importance seems to have been duly appreciated. Primary Schools have been established throughout the State, and perhaps are sufficienuy numerous, and in general are under judicious and proper regulations. These schools are partly maintained by public contributions and partly by private subscription, from both of which sources sufficient pecuniary means are generally derived to afford them a good support. The whole number of prima- ry schools in the State exceeds 250, which is a respectable number for its size, being more than eight to a town.
For instruction in the higher branches of education there are a num- ber of seminaries'established in different sections of the State. There are 12 or 13 academical Schools in the State; and it is gratifying to be able to add, that the number of academies is increasing ; and as a consequence of this, that an attention to the higher branches of education is becoming more popular, and an object of more general attention. The number of young men who have received a college education has greatly increased within a few years, as appears from the increase of students, and the flourishing condition of Brown. Uni- versity. This institution, situated in a small State, and almost in the neighbourhood of two of the most distinguished Universities in the Union, in the two adjoining States, maintains a high reputation and a very respectable patronage, and is a very flourishing institution. For a description of it, the reader is referred to the article upon Provi- dence.
Newspapers .- There are five newspapers printed in this State ; three in Providence, of which two are semi-weekly papers, and two at Newport. These papers, it is understood, receive a respectable patronage ; and there is an increasing taste among the people for newspaper reading ; a circumstance, not altogether unimportant, as it respects the general improvement of society. The influence of news- paper publications, in " forming the public mind," not only upon po- litical but upon moral, social, and, in some measure, upon scientifical subjects, by their contributing to create in the minds of youth a taste for reading, and a laudable desire for the acquisition of knowledge, is undoubtedly very great, and in general very salutary. The first news- paper printed in this State was the Rhode-Island Gazette, which was commenced in October 1732, at Newport ; and the first paper publish- ed in Providence was in 1762.
Public and Social Libraries .- There are a number of extensive and valuable libraries in the State. The most ancient and important is that at Newport. This library, which was established as carly as
317
OF RHODE-ISLAND.
1747, contains an extensive and valuable collection of ancient classic- al and theological books. There are several other valuable circula- ting libraries, and more than twenty social libraries, the most respec- table and extensive of which is that of Providence ; having a reading room connected with it. It is gratifying to learn, that the importance of the general distribution of books, as a means of disseminating knowledge, seems to be justly appreciated ; and that there is a gene- ral disposition to encourage literary exertions ; most useful publica- tions having received a liberal patronage in this State. The diffusion of knowledge, from books and periodical publications, has the most happy influence upon society ; as without these sources of improve- ment, it is impossible to overcome the stubbornness of ignorance, or to guard against rudeness of manners upon the one hand, or levity and frivolity upon the other.
Religion .- From the spirit of the people, the laws of this State have been remarkably liberal upon this subject; religion having from the first settlement been considered as a matter altogether abstract, and as no way connected with civil concerns. Under the influence of this just and fundamental opinion, the legislature has at all times dis- claimed the right to interfere upon this subject ; and consequently the laws have left religion where it always should be left, to stand upon its own foundation. In this respect, this State has made an important ex- periment, and affords an example of the justness of the principle which has been supported by some of the greatest and best men in the world, but unfortunately for a long time without any success, that Christianity will best answer the ends of its institution, and produce the most good in society, if left to itself. To the liberal character of the laws, and the prevailing spirit of the people, upon this subject, is in- some measure to be attributed the great number of religious sects which for a long time have existed in this State. Of these sects, the Baptists have been and now are the most numerous, and the Friends or Quakers, the Congregationalists, the Episcopalians and the Methodists are numerous and respectable sects of Christians. Some of the Bap- tists profess the Arminian tenets, and others are of the Sabbatarian faith, and observe the seventh day, or the Jewish sabbath. Of the latter, the most numerous societies are in Hopkinton and Wester- ly. There are some few Unitarians; and it is supposed that this sect is increasing. There is one society of Moravians in New- port. All these different denominations have lived harmoniously together, each adhering to their own creed, and worshipping in their own way, but no one interfering in any way with the others. The clergy depend entirely upon individual contributions ; yet it has been frequently and we believe very justly remarked, that they have gene- rally received a very liberal support, and at all times maintained a suitable influence in society. The number of religious societies and churches has of late considerably increased. There are now more
318
GENERAL VIEW
than 100 religious societies in the State, of every description, most of which are accommodated with houses for public worship.
History .- The design of this work admits only of a succinct notice of the most important historical events. An ample history of this State, to be written from authentic materials, is an object worthy the attention of any citizens of the State, possessing the necessary leisure and scientific acquirements for such an undertaking. Such is the pe- rishable nature of human things, that facts, however important, are lia- ble, even in a short period, to be partially lost ; and the subjects with which they are connected, involved in great obscurity, unless they are collected and embodied, and recorded in a manner calculated to in- sure their preservation.
The country included within the limits of the State of Rhode-Island was originally principally occupied by the Narragansett tribe of Indi- ans. Thiswas one of the mostnumerous and powerful tribes that inhab- ited the coast of New-England. The Wamponogs inhabited the coun- try of the eastern shore of the Narragansett. The precise period at which the Europeans became acquainted with the country upon the: borders of the Narragansett, is not known; but it is believed, that it must have been soon after the first settlement at Plymouth. The first evidence that has been transmitted, of the Europeans having been ac- quainted with this country, is that of the murder of Captain Oldham at Block-Island, by the Indians, in 1635. The first permanent settlement appears to have been commenced in 1636, by the persecuted and cele- brated Roger Williams. The Rev. Mr. Williams was forced to quit his family, in the greatest severity of the winter, and to flee from his persecutors into the wilderness, and seek an asylum among savages ; by whom, it appears, he was received and treated with kindness and hospitality. In a short period, many others, who were obnoxious to the unfortunate spirit which prevailed in Massachusetts colony, follow- ed the example of Mr. Williams; and a regular settlement was soon formed, which received constant accession, being an asylum for the" persecuted and disaffected of every description. From these causes, the infant colony began to flourish at an early period, and soon be- came a nursery of the principles of religious liberty. Newport was settled in 1638, by Mr. Coddington and his associates. In 1643, Mr. Williams was sent to England, to obtain a charter for the civil gov- ernment of the colony. In this object he succeeded, and the govern- ment was organized accordingly, and continued under the authority of this charter until the year 1663, when the famous charter of Charles 2d was granted, which has remained the basis of the government of the State until the present time. This charter contained only the out- lines or form of the government, leaving the colony to adopt its own local regulations. As a matter of necessary consequence, the spirit of the people would show itself in their laws ; and at an early period, the principles of religious liberty, and the rights of conscience were recog- nized and established, and have been ever since tenaciously maintained.
319
OF RHODE-ISLAND.
A considerable portion of the first settlers became Baptists, and this has ever since remained the most numerous denomination of christians in the State.
The colony continued to increase and flourish, and enjoyed compa- ratively a great portion of tranquillity, until the distressing Indian war, which was commenced in the year 1675, by the famous Indian sachem Philip, whose seat and residence was at Mount Hope. When the ele- ments of war are once set in agitation, no human foresight nor pru- dence can guard against their extension. This war, which was by no means serious at first, being confined to a single tribe, was in its pro- gress extended so as to embrace not only the Narragansetts, the most numerous and powerful tribe in New-England, but most of the other tribes in this region; it becoming a general war between all the European settlements, and with few exceptions, all the Indian tribes in New-Eng- land. From the threatening aspect of this war, uniting the hostility of almost all of the Indian tribes, the colonies were aroused to a sense of danger, and to great exertion. Accordingly, in December 1675, the famous Narragansett expedition was organized, consisting of a detach- ment of troops from the several New-England colonies. This expe- dition terminated, after a most desperate and obstinate engagement, in the capture of the Indian fortress, and nearly the entire destruction of their forces. This battle was fought on the 19th of December, and was the most sanguinary, as well as the most successful and important, that ever occured in the early wars with the natives. The troops of the colonies fought with the most desperate resolution and bravery, and sustained a severe loss ; the Massachusetts forces having 31 killed and 79 wounded ; and the Connecticut troops had 91 killed and wounded, among whom were seven distinguished officers.
Notwithstanding the severe loss of the Indians in this battle, it being estimated that 700 warriors were killed, and that about 300 died after-' wards of their wounds, the war was not terminated until 1677; al- though Philip, who first engaged in it, and who instigated the other tribes to hostilities, was killed 12th of August, 1676. After the close of this war, this colony did not participate much in the subsequent wars with the Indians and French, owing principally to the circum- stances of the colony's not being exposed, and the character of the in- habitants, a considerable proportion of them being Friends.
In the revolutionary war, this State took an active part ; having at an early period disclosed a spirit of resistance to the unwarrantable acts of authority of the British government, and a determination to de- fend the rights of the colonies. She furnished, from the commence- ment to the close of the contest, her full quota of men ; and her sol- diers, for bravery and perseverance, ranked among the first in the Union. She had the honour also to afford a number of excellent offi- cers, at the head of whom was Gen. Nathaniel Green, one of the most distinguished officers of the age. This State suffered severely during this war; her capital was for a long time in the possession of the ene-
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GENERAL VIEW &c.
my ; and at the peace, its population was 3,769 less, than at the com- mencement of the war; the loss of property was also immense, and its business had almost entirely declined. Subsequently to the peace, every kind of business here, as well as in most of the other States, ex- perienced great languor, and a general state of embarrassment and distress ensued. Commerce having been diverted from its former channels, and suffering from the general embarrassment, could not re- cover its activity. Anxious to alleviate this distress, the legislature had recourse to some miserable temporary expedients, which increased the evils they were intended to remedy, and public and private confi- dence became nearly destroyed; which, however, were restored by time, the great corrective of all sublunary evils.
Rhode-Island was the last of the original States which acceded to the constitution of the United States, which was not ratified until the 26th of May, 1790. The first bank was incorporated in 1791 ; since which, they have increased to 33. In 1804, the cotton spinning business first became an object of much attention in this State. In September, 1815, a tremendous gale occured, which did much damage to the towns upon the waters of the Narragansett bay. This State has had the hon- our of being the first in the Union, to repeal or modify its laws upon the subject of usury ; thus affording an example of an enlightened po- licy, and a boldness of legislation ; being the first to expunge from its statute book, laws founded in the prejudices of a barbarous age, and which are alike a violation of the principles of justice, and repugnant to sound policy.
À
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL VIEW
OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES
IN THE STATE OF
RHODE-ISLAND.
PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
PROVIDENCE, the most ex- tensive and populous county in the State, is situated in its northern section ; bounded on the north by the counties of Worcester and Nor- folk, in Massachusetts, on the east by Bristol county, in Massachu- setts, on the south by the county
of Kent and the Narragansett riv- er, and on the west by the State of Connecticut.
Its average length, from east to west, is nearly 22 miles, and its mean breadth, from north to south, is more than 17 miles ; comprising fan area of about 381 square miles.
The following TABLE exhibits a statistical and topographical view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with relation to Pro- vidence ; population, according to the census of 1810; number of dwelling-houses ; religious societies ; schools ; banks, and post-offi- ces.
Towns.
P. O. Pop.
D. H. R. S. S.
B. Dist. from
Providence.
1
10,071
1300
8
5
7 Providence.
Burrellville.
0
1,834
300
2
10
1 20 m. N. W.
Cumberland.
1
2,110
309
4
9
0 ·8 m. N. E.
Cranston.
1
2,161
320
4
6
1 5 m. S. W.
Gloucester.
1
2,310
400
Foster.
1
2,613
400
3
10
0 15 m. W.
Johnston.
0
1,516
233
2
7
0 5 m. W.
North-Providence.
1
1,758
316
3
8
1 4 m. N.
Scituate.
1
2,568
400
2
7
1 12 m. W.
Smithfield.
1 3,828
500
4
20
3
9 m. N.
12
1 16 m. N. W.
41
322
PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
The county of Providence is generally an uneven country ; and some sections of it present very rugged features, being rocky and hilly ; but no portion of it can be considered as mountainous.
Its geological character, espe- cially in the western section, is primitive. The prevailing rocks are granitic. There are, however, some calcareous strata, or lime- stone, particularly in the northeas- tern section ; and transition rocks are occasionally interspersed. The soil is generally a primitive, gra- velly loam; but there are some sections of calcareous loam, some tracts of alluvial, in the southeast section, near the head waters of the Narragansett, and some small - sections of plains, of a siliceous sand.
The mineralogy of the county is but imperfectly understood, ha- ving received but little attention. Iron ore of different qualities has been found in various places. The celebrated Hope furnace is suppli- ed with ore of an excellent quality from this county. There are some indications of copper ore in some sections of the county. Limestone abounds in various places, and mar- ble is found in these calcareous strata.
The forests of the county are considerably extensive, and the quality of the timber very excel- lent. The trees are principally deciduous ; the most prevalent and valuable of which are oak, walnut and chesnut ; but the forests com- prise various others common to this region. Timber near the sea is observed to be firmer and less porous than that in the interior.
The principal agricultural inter- ests arise from the grazing busi- ness ; this being a leading system of husbandry. Considerable at- tention however is paid to the cul- tivation of grain, particularly In- dian corn ; barley and rye also are cultivated. The soil and climate are favourable for fruit ; and there are many excellent orchards in some sections of the county. In the vicinity of Providence, consid- erable attention is paid to the cul- tivation of culinary vegetables, for the market at that place.
The agricultural interests of the county cannot be considered as very flourishing ; although recent- ly a spirit of improvement has dis- closed itself, and has already pro- duced valuable results in the im- portant business of husbandry.
The extensive commercial and manufacturing interests of this county may have in some measure diverted the attention and indus- try of the inhabitants from agri- cultural pursuits.
The waters of the county are abundant, and afford many con- veniences and advantages. Upon the southern border, are the wa- ters of the Narragansett river and bay, which afford a safe and capa- cious harbour, and give great fa- cilities to commerce and naviga- tion.
In addition to the Providence or Narragansett river, are the See- konk, which washes a part of the eastern border of the county, and its principal branch, the Pawtuck- et, which has also several branch- es. This is a valuable and inter- esting mill stream, almost unrival- led.
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