USA > Rhode Island > History of Rhode Island > Part 3
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In 1651, the inhabitants, on the main, refused submission to Coddington'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 occu- pied from the settlement in 1638, to 1614.
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THE ISLAND INDEPENDENT.
" 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 Rhode 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 Rhode 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, liberty 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 alliance 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
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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.
ENCOURAGEMENT OF SETTLERS.
The proprietors, to encourage the settlement of the Island, sold out at a small price, and on casy 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 delinquent for doctrines, provided it be not repugnant to government established, 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 allowing every man free to act and advocate what religious opinions he chooses, and which has highly distinguished the State of Rhode Island."
The principles adopted by Clark and Coddington operated like leaven in diffusing itself through the minds of the masses, and was the neucleus, 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
1.86246
35
A SEAL FOR THE STATE.
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 Rhode Island, of Cannanicut, and Prudence, and these islands again became separated from the towns on the main Jand. 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 established. 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 of pro- gress, it is thought sensible to disdain conventional rules, and long established 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 will 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-
!
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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
tury," a frequent topic of eulogistical declamation, not only com. mon·place, but even disgusting to our feelings. " 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 Rhode 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 fired 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 little and inconsiderable, consisting of a little 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 Church, 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; Philip Shearman, Adam Matt, and many others.
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MASSACHUSETTS' INTOLERANCE.
In 1657, the island of Connanicut, or Quaonoquet, was pur- chased 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 Rose Island, (the latter name derived from the abundance of wild 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.
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MASSACHUSETTS' INTOLERANCE AND CRUELTY.
In 1660, Mary Dyre, of Rhode 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 Rhode Island. Before their removal from Massachusetts, she was a milliner in Boston, and one of the principal followers of the famous Mrs. Hutchinson.
The year previous, (the 20th of October,) William Robinson, and Marmaduke Stephenson, 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, and, as the reader has
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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
been already informed, she was executed under the sanction of men who dare call themselves Christians. She died, however, in the triumph of faith, feeling conscious that she had done nothing " worthy to warrant such a course of procedure towards 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 the baseness of Massachusetts, in thus putting to death their own citizens, merely for conscience' sake, it is calculated to arouse 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 Roundheads of Cromwell's time have been culogized, and the Cavaliers condemned. But the spirit which could influence such barbarity, must be nearly allied to the inhabitants of the " pit." "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, they stood ready to inflict punishment on all who were unprepared to sanction and approve of their bigoted views. The religion established was Congregational, which, 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 ever be a stigma of reproach on Massachusetts, for suffering such high-handed wickedness against the subjects of another colony. Let Newport rejoice in the names of her former legislators, who held to no restrictions in matters of religion, but left to each individual the liberty of forming his own views of religious truth and duty. Tyranny can never vegetate on the soil, which
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MIDDLETOWN ASYLUM.
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 the 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 established 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 has 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 Rhode 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-
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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
ton removed to Rhode 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 Rhode Island, and then went to England and preferred a memorial re- specting his treatment, against Massachusetts. In 1646, he came back to Rhode Island and settled in Warwick.
His religious 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 religious opinions, there can be no doubt. " A real come-outer, in its true sense." Of the private history of Gorton, very little 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 him, 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, now 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 peculiar, 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 religion, would naturally lead him to obtrude his dog. mas on the minds of others, however unpleasant it might be ; and as our fathers studied peace, and wished no malcontents to ' remain among them, is the propable cause of his banishment.
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FIRST INSOLVENCY.
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-l, than serve in heaven. On no other ground can we reconcile his banishment from the island.
In 1638, William 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.
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FIRST INSOLVENCY.
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 shall 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.
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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 limited 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 Ring 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 individuals have accomplished, what might we not expect from millions 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 ccase, 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 4, 1647 .- Cannonicus, the chief Indian Sachem, died this year in a good old age, honored by his tribe, and respected and beloved by the whites who had settled in his territories.
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AQUEDNECK INDIANS.
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 enlisted 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 Philip, 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 Rhode Island, twelve or thirteen towns were utterly destroyed. About six hundred dwelling houses were burnt, a heavy debt contracted, and a vast amount of property destroyed. There were few
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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
families who did not lose some beloved relative in this calami- tous war; and a general gloom spread through the country.
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