USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Providence > History of the state of Rhode Island and Providence plantations, Vol. I > Part 42
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Randolph sent an account to the Board of Trade of his proceedings, and of the state of government in the colonies, urging that a general governor should be sent without delay.4 Major John Greene of Warwick was commissioned by the governor to carry the letters and ad- dress to England and to act as agent for the Colony.5 His former colleague in the agency, Randal Holden, also sent an address concerning Kings Province, rehearsing its
Aug. 6.
21.
1 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., v. 3. p. 396. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 193.
2 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 412. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 194.
3 Oct. 31, 1687. Trumbull B. 1. ch. xv. p. 368-72, edit. 1818.
4 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 315. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 203.
3 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 435.
1686. July 16.
21. 28.
494
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. XII. history since the submission of the Sachems, down to the government of Dudley, and advising that persons not in- 1686. terested in the lands should have the disposal.of them, as Aug. 21. his Majesty's interests were disregarded by the present rulers.1 The justices of Narraganset, who were among its proprietors, sent an address assailing the character of Greene, the Rhode Island agent, as the author of their troubles, in order to counteract his influence at the Court,2 and asking that their affairs might be referred to Dudley and his council. A similar petition against Greene was sent by the Pawtuxet proprietors, asking for a like reference of their dispute with Warwick on the fa- mous second verdict, obtained by Harris in their behalf nine years before.3 In a long communication from Presi- dent Dudley, sent at this time to the Board of Trade, he dwells upon the violations of the acts of trade all along the coast from Nova Scotia to New York, and mentions the aggressions of the French upon the fishing vessels of New England. He states that, to prevent illegal commerce, the number of free ports had been much re- duced, and gives also a full account of the proceedings of 23. the council in organizing Kings Province.4 The secretary, Randolph, in a letter denouncing the conduct of Massa- chusetts for resisting an impost of duties, which he es- timates would yield a revenue of four thousand pounds sterling a year, when Connecticut and Rhode Island were added to the New England government, also mentions the appearance of piratical vessels upon the coast, to the great hinderance of trade.5 In a private letter of the same date to the Lord Treasurer, Randolph complains bitterly of his colleagues in the government, especially of President Dudley, who he says refuses to aid him in the
1 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 440.
2 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 411. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 208.
3 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 407. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 209.
4 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 311.
5 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 195. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 205.
495
SEAL AND FLAG OF NEW ENGLAND.
schemes of enthralment which he proposes for New Eng- CHAP. land, and he urges again the sending of a general gov- XII. r Aug. ernor. This letter presents a curious picture of the di- 1686. vided councils that prevailed in the colonies, even among the despotic ministers of King James.1 The Quakers 25. also prepared an address to send by Robert Hodgson, one of their members, in which they ask that their religious privileges may be preserved to them, and their peculiar views in regard to oaths and military service may be respected.2
Upon receipt of the address of the General Assembly, additional instructions were given to Sir Edmund Andros to demand the surrender of the charter, upon his arrival, and to take Rhode Island under his government, assuring the colony of the royal protection, and to do the same with Connecticut in case her people should likewise de- cide to surrender their charter.3 A few days later the last acts necessary to the departure of Andros to enter upon the government of New England, were concluded by giv- ing him the seal and flag prepared for the consolidated provinces. The seal employed by the president and council represented an Indian with a bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right, and the inscription, " SIGILUM PRÆSID. CONCIL. DOM. REG. IN NOV. ANGLIA,". within the border.4 The new seal was more elaborate, and is thus described in the receipt given for it by Andros-" en- graven on the one side with his Majesty's effigies standing under a canopy, robed in his royal vestments and crown-
Sept. 13.
29.
1 3. M. H. C., vii. 154. R. I. Col. Rec , iii. 206.
2 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 419.
3 3. M. H. C, vii. 162. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 218.
4 THE SEAL OF THE PRESIDING COUNCIL OF OUR LORD THE KING IN NEW ENGLAND. Copies of this are attached to the proclamations of Dudley before mentioned, in the British State Paper Office, London. No copies of the An- dros seal appear in the British archives. The proceedings of his council were transmitted to England but have not been found among the government rec- ords. It is to be hoped that they may some day be discovered.
496
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. XII. ed, with a sceptre in the left hand, the right hand being extended towards an Englishman and an Indian, both 1686. kneeling ; the one presenting the fruits of the country, and the other a scroll, and over their heads a Cherubin holding another scroll with this motto : Nunquam libertas gratior extat, with his Majesty's titles around the circum- ference ; there being on the other side the King's arms, with the garter, crown, supporters and motto, and this in- scription round the circumference : Sigillum Novæ Anglia in America." 1 A plate representing the New England colors, under the administration of Sir Edmund Andros, from the original design in the British archives, is here offered as a rare historical curiosity.2
Oct.
11.
It would seem as if every separate interest in Rhode Island determined to be heard on its own account by the King. The people of Providence sent an address re- signing their charter, asking to be annexed to the general New England government, and disowning the Assembly's address. This was the seventh memorial that was sent from this colony within about three months. 3
The revocation of the edict of Nantes, that glorious decree by which Henry of Navarre secured toleration to the Protestants of France, was the crowning act of Jesuit intrigue which only the genius of Colbert had hitherto foil- ed. Upon his death the last obstacle to the extirpation of Calvinism in France was removed. The edict of Henry IV. was revoked by Louis XIV., liberty of conscience was abolished, and a fierce persecution of the Huguenots en- sued. More than half a million of the most skilful, in- dustrious and loyal subjects of the Bourbon fled from their
1 Br. S. P. O., New England, vol. iv. p. 267.
2 Br. S. P. O., New England, vol. iv. p. 223.
3 The 1st, from the Assembly, July 3. 2d. Divers freemen, July 16. 3d. Randal Holden's. 4th. Justices of Narraganset. 5th. Pawtuxet. 6th. Quakers, all in August. 7th. Providence, Oct. 11. Only the first of these is found upon our State records. The originals of them all are filed in the British State Paper Office, London, as referred to in the notes.
New England Colours
FLAG OF NEW ENGLAND, UNDER SIR EDMUND ANDROS .
FROM A DRAFT IN THE BRITISH STATE PAPER OFFICE ) NEW ENGLAND PAPERS . VOL.4. PAGE 223
D. APPLETON & CO PUBLISHERS . NEW YORK.
UTHOF SAHONT, MAJOR & KNAPP. 49 BROADWAY. N YORK
497
THE HUGUENOTS IN RHODE ISLAND.
native land, and introduced into other countries the arts CHIAP. and commerce of which they were masters.1 The effect XII. upon France for a time was scarcely less disastrous 168G. than that which followed the expulsion of the Jews in Oct. Spain, two centuries before, by Ferdinand and Isabella. The banished Huguenots carried with them over the world the blessings of a vital faith, of frugal habits, and the knowledge of new sources of useful and elegant industry. Wherever they settled their descendants re- main, to this day, living witnesses of the loss entailed by Jesuit craft upon the country of their origin. Numbers of them emigrated to America ; some of these found their way to New England, and settled in Rhode Island, where they could enjoy the freedom that was denied them at home. An agreement was made between the Narra- 12. ganset proprietors and the Rev. Ezekiel Carre and P. Berton, in behalf of the French refugees, for the settle- ment of a place called Newberry Plantation, but this be- ing too far from the sea, another spot was selected, near John Foanes' house in Rochester (Kingston), and a new agreement made between the parties. The price fixed Nov. 4. was four shillings an acre, cash, or twenty-five pounds for every one hundred acres, being five shillings an acre, pay- able in three years, with interest at six per cent. there- after. Each family was to have one hundred acres of up- land, if they desired so much, and a proportionate part of meadow. M. Carre, the minister, was to have one hundred and fifty acres gratis ; one hundred acres were as- signed as glebe land, and fifty acres to support a Protest- ant schoolmaster. Forty-five families commenced the
1 This celebrated edict was issued by Henry IV. in 1598, and revoked by Louis XIV., Oct. 24. 1685. 800,000 Protestants fled from France during the persecution that ensued. England gained immensely by this fatal policy of her inveterate foe. 50,000 artisans sought refuge in London, and introduced the manufacture of silk, crystal glasses, jewelry, and other fine works, many of them before unknown, but ever since successfully prosecuted in England. Anderson's History of Commerce.
VOL. I .- 32
498
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. settlement, built a church and twenty-five houses, and prospered for some years until dispersed by the lawless 1686. conduct of their neighbors, as will hereafter be shown.1
Dec. 20. XII.
1686. Dec.to April 1689.
At length the Rose frigate, bearing Sir Edmund An- dros, with two companies of royal troops, the first ever stationed in New England, and, except those sent for the conquest of New Netherlands, the first ever seen here, arrived at Boston. The Dudley government was super- seded, and the president made chief justice. Andros, by his commission, was in effect absolute, having power to appoint and remove members of his council. With their consent he could enact laws, levy taxes, and control the militia of the country. He proceeded at once to organize a system of despotism which has made his memory de- tested wherever freedom has a name. During the two years and four months that his administration existed, the people of New England were at the mercy of a tyrant. Massachusetts suffered most, as she was the wealthiest and most powerful of the colonies, and she felt most keenly the first blow inflicted by her persecutor-wherein Rhode Island could have no sympathy with her griefs-the over- throw of the Puritan theocracy, and the introduction of the services of the Episcopal Church. But in the greater part of his acts, all the colonies suffered alike in propor- tion to their strength. Taxes were levied without consent of the people. Public fees were enormously increased, that of probate some twenty-fold. Town governments were almost annihilated, colonies were made simple coun- ties, and the whole country reduced to one vast province. Writs of intrusion involved landed proprietors in expen- sive suits to defend or confirm their titles. Marriages by
1 The agreement, and the remonstrance of Dr. Pierre Ayrault in 1705, from which the above facts are taken, are filed in Br. S. P. O., New England, vol. 13, together with a plot of Frenchtown containing the names of all the families on their separate lots. A copy of the former is in Trumbull's papers, vol. 22, No. 114, in Mass. Hist. Soc.
499
ADMINISTRATION OF ANDROS.
civil magistrates were at first tolerated from necessity, and CHAP. afterwards interdicted, and the performance of this rite XI. was confined to the Episcopal clergy, of whom there was 1686. but one in Massachusetts. The odious system of pass- ports was established. The form of administering oaths was changed from the Puritan mode of holding up the right hand, to that of laying the hand on the Bible-a dangerous approach, some thought, to the Papal custom of kissing the cross. By this innovation the Puritan might learn to regret his own disregard of the conscien- tious Quaker. And what was perhaps the bitterest inflic- tion of all, in connection with the introduction of the Episcopal forms, the Baptists, Quakers, and other dissent- ers from the established Puritan church, were encouraged in their refusal to pay the tax for the support of the set- tled clergy. But in Rhode Island, where no established church ever existed, this latter grievance, and those spring- ing from kindred sources, were not felt; but, on the con- trary, a sympathy upon these points with the new gov- ernment, that had the strength and the will to enforce one of her cardinal principles upon her early persecutors, was cordially entertained. The bearing of Andros, in his official communications with Rhode Island, was always in friendly contrast to his intercourse with the other colonies. The courtesy extended to him, as governor of New York, some years before, was not forgotten. The tyrant was at least a gentleman, and showed as much gratitude for for- mer civilities as was consistent with the nature of his com- mission. He addressed a letter to Rhode Island, in mild Dec. 22. terms, demanding the surrender of the charter, and desig- nating seven persons as members of his council for this government, who were to meet at Boston at the first gen- eral council.1 He also wrote friendly letters to Gov. Clarke, concerning the submission of the Assembly and
1 These were Walter Clarke, Jo. Sandford, John Coggeshall, Walter New- bury, John Greene, Richard Arnold, and John Alborough, Esqs.
500
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. surrender of the charter.1 His arrival was the signal for XII. sending petitions upon disputed land claims. Richard 1686. Smith, of Narraganset, lost no time in petitioning for Dec. relief from the molestations of the Rhode Islanders at Hog Island. This little islet had already occasioned the waste of almost as much paper since its purchase, forty years before, as would suffice to cover it.
30.
The first council of Gov. Andros, which met at Bos- ton, consisted of nineteen members, of whom five were from Rhode Island .? The royal commission was read, and also the instructions to receive the charter of Rhode Isl- and. The oaths of office and allegiance were then taken by all but the two Quaker members from Rhode Island, Clarke and Newbury, whose affirmation was received in- stead. A proclamation continuing all officers, civil and military, and all laws not repugnant to those of England, during his Excellency's pleasure, was agreed upon.3 As this was the first, so was it the last full meeting of the Andros council. The distant members returned home, and those only who lived at or near Boston regularly at- tended. They had but little influence. Four or five, whose interests were chiefly in England, controlled the action of the whole. Opposition was silenced by the min- ions of Andros, some of whose advisers were not of the council. It does not appear that the Rhode Island mem- bers attended another general council. This was a gloomy period in New England history. Inaction prevailed among the freemen of the towns. The calm of despotism settled over the colonies.
1686-7. Jan. 12.
Soon after this first council meeting, Andros' com- mission, as governor of this colony with the rest of New England, Connecticut excepted, was published in Rhode
1 2. M. H. C., vol. 8, pp. 180-181. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 219.
2 Those named in Andros' letter except Sandford and Greene, the latter of whom was in England as agent of the colony.
3 3. M. H. C., viii. 181. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 220.
501
ANDROS PROTECTS DISSENTERS.
Island, and the colony was declared to be one county.1 John Greene was then in England as agent. The policy of the crown was by this time too obvious to render it ex- pedient to seek a continuance of the charter. He there- fore confined his efforts to minor objects, and petitioned in behalf of the towns for relief from the interruptions given by the Narraganset proprietors, and others, to the quiet possession of their lands; and also to his Majesty's interests in Kings Province, and prayed that these mat- ters might be referred to Gov. Andros.2 The town of Bristol, which had been settled not quite six years, peti- tioned Andros for relief from a tax of one penny per pound, levied throughout the province for the support of government. It was the custom to relieve new settle- ments from taxation for seven years. This had been guar- anteed to the purchasers of Bristol by the Plymouth committee, who made the sale. A representation of these facts was made by the selectmen of the town,3 but with what effect there is no record to show.
CHAP. XII. 1686-7. Jan. 19.
Feb. 18.
The Narraganset proprietors applied to Sir Edmund for a confirmation of their titles. They furnished him a copy of the proceedings of the Cranfield commission, with the evidence there presented, and requested an opportu- nity to defend their claim against all opponents." The event proved that this was an unfortunate step for the proprietors. The late Gov. Hinckley incautiously com- plained to Andros of the letter of Randolph, who retained the same position he had held under Dudley, as secretary of the council, in which he had reproved the Plymouth magistrate for taxing dissenters for the support of the ministry. Sir Edmund replied sharply, forbidding the
24.
March 5.
1 Callender in R. I. H. C., iv. 102. Chalmers' Political Annals, 278-9.
2 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 429. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 221.
3 Benjamin Church, John Rogers, Thomas Walker. R. I. Col. Rec.,
ii. 222.
' Trumbull papers, vol. 22, Nos. 127-8. Mass. Hist. Soc.
502
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. constable to execute the warrant against the Quaker, and XII. warning Hinckley to be faithful to the King .: 1686-7. March 11.
In reply to the Rhode Island address, further instruc- tions were sent to Andros, granting the freedom of con- science asked by the Assembly. This was consistent with the policy of James, who sought, by promulgating the doctrine of religious liberty, to undermine the Episcopal church, and thus, in time, to restore the Papal power in England. With this object he soon after issued the Dec- laration of Indulgence, nominally, at least, leaving his subjects to obey their own consciences in spiritual mat- ters.2
1687. March 25.
30.
The members of the Andros government were constant- ly changing. A new list of twelve names, to fill vacancies already existing in the council, was sent to London. Three of these were from Rhode Island and Kings Prov- ince.3 In the letters accompanying this list, Andros gives an account of the condition of his province, and states that Connecticut has not yet submitted, and that it is important to unite her to the rest of New England, as wheat and provisions are chiefly supplied by her.4 The difficulties that environed Andros, formed the subject of frequent letters from Randolph and himself to the home government. In one of these to the Board of Trade, the former says, " His Excellency has to do with a perverse people," and complains that but few members of the council manifest any interest for his Majesty.
May 21.
The duties of the General Assembly and of the Court of Trials, both of which were superseded by the new gov- ernment, now devolved upon a Court that met quarterly,
1 Hutchinson's Mass., i. 357, note.
2 Hume, chap. 70. The declaration was issued April 4, 1687. A copy of it, apparently the official one sent to this colony, is preserved among the Foster MSS., vol. i. in R. I. Hist. Soc.
3 Richard Smith, Francis Brinley, and Peleg Sandford.
4 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. pp. 287, 291, 297. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 223-4.
503
ANDROS IN RHODE ISLAND.
and was called " The General Quarter Sessions and In- CHAP. XII.
ferior Court of Common Pleas." The first meeting of ~ this new tribunal was held at Newport, for Rhode Island, Kings Province, and Providence. It was composed of nine justices, of whom Francis Brinley was chairman and judge. Its proceedings were unimportant. Jurymen and constables were sworn. Private petitions were referred to justices of the peace in the different towns. Over- seers of the poor were appointed for every town. Licenses for Newport were granted, but the sale of liquors in Kings Province was forbidden.
The questions of ownership in Narraganset having been referred to Gov. Andros, he ordered a careful survey of the country, and a plat to be made marking the several claims.1 Several parcels of land were granted by him to Richard Wharton, at an annual quit-rent of ten shillings an acre .? This is the first case, except that of Prudence Island, of the introduction of this species of tenure in Rhode Island. The revenue duties under Andros were farmed out by the treasurer of the Province, John Usher. Nathaniel Byfield of Bristol was by him appointed farmer of excise in this district, as appears by an original warrant in his name to John Whipple "to receive the whole excise of all sortes of drinke, that shall be sould within the town- shipp of Providence by retaile," for one year.3
The intrusions that ultimately broke up the French settlement were commenced by their neighbors on the first summer of their planting. The meadows belonging to them, or set apart for their use, were unlawfully mowed and the hay carried off, leaving them without fodder for their cattle. Complaints were made to Gov. Andros, who ordered an examination of the matter. The hay was se- cured and stacked, and a further order was issued dividing
1 Potter's Narr., R. I. H. C., iii. 220. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 225.
2 Br. S. P. O., New Eng., vol. iv. p. 795. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 225.
3 Foster papers, vol. i.
1687. June 14-16.
22.
29.
July 8.
Aug. 5.
504
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
CHAP. XII. Sept. 14.
it, one half to certain needy persons in Rochester and Deptford, and the other half to the French families, until 1687. the rights of the parties could be determined. 1
The next quarter court was held at Rochester, or Kingston, at which the overseers of the poor were em- powered to assess taxes for the relief of paupers in their respective towns. A petty sessions, for probate business only, at which but three justices were present, was after- wards held at Newport.
Oct.
25.
26.
Sir Edmund Andros, with over sixty regular troops, now proceeded to Hartford, where the Assembly was sit- ting, to overawe the government of Connecticut and com- pel a surrender of the charter. It was at this time that the sacred instrument was hidden in the ancient oak to preserve it from his grasp. This object was accomplished, but it did not prevent him from seizing the government. Taking the records of the colony, he wrote beneath them, with his own hand, the transfer of the government to him- self, and closed the volume with the significant word, in- scribed in glaring capitals-FINIS .?
31.
4.
Connecticut had more reason than any other colony to dread the despotic spirit of Andros ; for just at the com- mencement of Philip's war, when he was governor of New York, he appeared with a naval force before Saybrook, and was only deterred by the resolute conduct of Capt. Bull, commander of the fort, from making an attack in prose- cuting the claim of the Duke of York, under an old patent that comprehended Connecticut in his dominions.3 The memory of this repulse added to his rancor, while the Prince in whose behalf he was then acting was now the monarch of England. Well might the gallant colo- nists refuse to admit his authority, and resort to every
8
1 3. M. H. C., vii. 182. R. I. Col. Rec., iii. 228.
2 Trumbull, Hist. of Conn., ch. xv. vol. i. p. 372.
3 July 8 to 12, 1675. Trumbull, ch. xiv. vol. i. p. 328.
505
KINGS PROVINCE DISPUTE DECIDED.
means of throwing a taint of illegality over his proceed- CHAP. XII.
ings.1
A full report was at this time made by Gov. Andros 1687. upon the various claims to the Narraganset country. The Oct. great claim of the Atherton company was thrown out, as having been based upon grants extorted through terror from the Indians by the illegal acts of the United Colo- nies. The submission of the Sachems, in 1644, vested the propriety in Charles I., since which no grant of jurisdic- tion had been made in that region except to Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Connecticut claim was repudiated for the reasons expressed in the Rhode Island charter, which latter had been confirmed by the commissioners of 1664, who had disavowed both the other claims. Several titles from the Indians, and from Rhode Island, to individuals are mentioned. The rights of Rhode Island over the Kings Province were thus again, for the third time, se- cured to her, as against Connecticut in point of jurisdic- tion, and against the so-called proprietors in point of ownership.2
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