USA > Rhode Island > Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England. Printed by order of the General Assembly, Vol. III pt 1 > Part 25
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Provided, always, and our will and pleasure is, that you do not by color of any power or authority hereby given you, commence or declare war without our knowledge and command therein; except it be against Indians, upon emergencies, wherein the consent of our Councill shall be had. And you are to give a partien- lar account thereof, with all speed, unto us, by one of our principal Secretarys of State, and to the Lords of our Privy Councill, appointed a Committee for Trade and Foreign Plantations ; as in the general of all publiek proceedings from time to time, and of the condition of affairs within your government.
Given at at our Court, at Whitehall, the 16th day of April, 1688, in the fourth year of our reign .* By his Majesty's conmand, SUNDERLAND P.
[To complete the history of the revolt of the English Colonies, which grew out of the arbitrary government of Sir Edmund Andros, we quote the particulars of the closing scenes from Mr. Bancroft's History.]
" The great news of the invasion of England, and the declaration of the Prince of Orange, reached Boston on 4th day April, 1689. The messenger was immediately imprisoned ; but his message could not be suppressed ; and " the preachers had al- ready matured the evil design " of a revolution. For the events that followed, were " not a violent passion of the rabble, but a long-contrived piece of wickedness."
About nine o'clock of the morning of the 18th, just as George, the commander of the Rose frigate, stepped on shore, Green and the Boston ship-carpenters gathered about him, and made him a prisoner. The town took the alarm. The royalist sheriff' hastened to quiet the multitude ; and the multitude secured him as their prisoner. From him they hastened to the major of the regiment, and demanded
* A portion relating to the five rations of Indians, is omitted.
* New York Documents, p. 513, Vol. III.
255
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1689.]
colors and drums. He resisted ; they threatened. The crowd increased ; compa- nies form under Nelson, Foster, Waterhouse, their old officers; and already at ten they seize Bullivant, Foxcroft, and Ravenscraft. Boys ran along the streets with clubs ; the drums beat ; the Governor, with his creatures resisted in Council, with- drew to the fort to desire a conference with the ministers and two or three more. The conference was declined. All the companies soon rallied at the town-honse. Just then, the last Governor of the Colony, in office when the Charter was abrogat- ed, Simon Bradstreet, glorious with the dignity of four score years and seven, one of the early emigrants, a magistrate in 1630, whose experience connected the oldest generation with the new, drew near the town-house, and was received by a great shout from the freemen. The old magistrates were re-instated, as a council of safe- ty ; the whole town rose in arms, " with the most unanimous resolution that ever in- spired a people ;" and a Declaration, read from the balcony, defended the insurrec- tion as a duty to God and the country. " We commit our enterprise," it was ad- ded, " to Ilim who hears the ery of the oppressed, and advise all our neighbors, for whom we have thus ventured ourselves, to joyn with us in prayers and all just ac- tions for the defence of the land."
On Charlestown side, a thousand soldiers crowded together ; and the multitude would have been larger if needed. The Governor, vainly attempting to escape to the frigate, was, with his creatures, compelled to seek protection by submission ; through the streets where he had first displayed his scarlet coat and arbitrary commission, he and his fellows were marched to the town-house, and thence to prison.
On the next day, the country came swarming across the Charlestown and Chel- sea ferries, headed by Shepherd, a schoolmaster of Lynn. All the cry was against Andros and Randolph. The castle was taken ; the frigate was mastered ; the for- tifications occupied.
How should a new government be instituted ? Town-meetings, before news had arrived of the proclamation of William and Mary, were held throughout the Colo- ny. Of fifty-four towns, forty, certainly, probably more, voted to re-assume the old Charter. Representatives were chosen ; and once more Massachusetts assem- bled in General Court.
The royalists had pretended that " the Quaker grandees " of Rhode Island had imbibed nothing of Quakerism but its indifference to forms, and did not even desire a restoration of the Charter. On May-day, their usual Election-day, the inhabit- ants and freemen poured into Newport ; and the whole " democracie " published to the world their gratitude " to the good providence of God, which had wonderfully supported their predecessors and themselves through more than ordinary difficulties and hardships."-" We take it to be our duty "-thus they continue-" to lay hold of our former gracious privileges, in our Charter contained." And by a unanimons vote, the officers, whom Andros had displaced, were confirmed. But Walter Clarke wavered. For nine months there was no acknowledged Chief Magistrate. The Assembly, accepting Clarke's disclaimer, elected Almy. Again excuse was made. Did no one dare to assume responsibility ? All eyes were turned to one of the old Antinomian exiles, the more than octogenarian, Henry Bull ; and the fearless Qua- ker, true to the light within, employed the last glimmerings of life to restore the democratic Charter of Rhode Island. Once more.its free government is organized : its seal is renewed ; the symbol, an anchor ; the motto, HOPE.
256
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RIIODE ISLAND,
[1689.
Thus did a popular insurrection, beginning at Boston, extend to the Chesapeake, and to the wilderness. This New England revolution " made a great noise in the world." Its object was Protestant liberty ; and William and Mary, the Protestant sovereigns, were proclaimed with rejoicings such as America had never before known in its intercourse with England."*
Summons to Sir Edmund Andros to Surrender the Government.
At the Town House in Boston, April 18, 1689.
Sir :- Ourselves as well as many others, the inhabitants of this town and places adjacent, being surprised with the people's sudden taking to arms, in the first mo- tion whereof, we were wholly ignorant, are driven by the present exigence and ne- cessity to acquaint your Excellency, that for the quieting and security of the people inhabiting this country, from the imminent dangers they many ways lie open and ex- posed unto, and for your own safety; we judge it necessary that you forthwith sur- render up and deliver the government and fortifications to be preserved, to be dis- posed according to order and direction for the Crown of England, which is sud- denly expected may arrive, promising all security from violence to yourself, or any other of your gentlemen and soldiers in person or estate ; or else we are assured they will endeavor the taking of the fortifications by storm, if any opposition be made.
To Sir Edmund Andros, Knight.t
William Stoughton,
David Waterhouse,
Thomas Danforth,
Adam Winthrop,
Simon Bradstreet,
John Nelson,
John Richards,
Wait Winthrop,
Elisha Cook,
Samuel Shrimpton,
Isaac Addington,
William Brown,
John Foster,
Bartholomew Gidney.
Peter Sergeant,
Order for sending Sir Edmund Andros to England.
To such as for the time being, take care for preserving the peace and adminis- tering the laws of our Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, in America.
WILLIAM R.
Whereas, Sir Edmund Andros, Ku't., late Governor of our dominion of New England, has been seized by some people in Boston, and is detained under close confinement there, together with Edward Randolph, John Trefrey, and divers oth- ers, our subjects ; who have humbly requested us that they may be either set at lib- erty, or sent in safe custody into England, to answer before us what may be objected against them ; we do hereby will and require, that the said Sir Edmund Andros,
* Bancroft's Hist. U. S., vol. II. p. 147.
1 J. Carter Brown's Mannscripts, No. 219, Vol. IV.
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AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1689.]
Edward Randolph, John Trefrey, and others our subjects, that have been in like manner seized by the said people of Boston, and shall be at the receipt of these our commands, detained there under confinement, be forthwith sent on board the first ship bound hither, to answer before us what may be objected against them : and that you take care that they be civilly used in their passage from New England, and safely conveyed to our Royal presence.
Given at our Court at Whitehall, this 30th day of July, 1689, in the first year of our reign. By his Majesty's commaud .* NOTTINGHAM.
(With the Royal scal.)}
Call to the people of Rhode Island to assume their former government.
Whereas, we have seen a printed paper, dated from Boston, the 18th of April last, which signifieth that Sir Edmund Andros, our late Governor, with sev- eral others, are seized and confined, so that many of the free people of this place are bent to lay hokl of their former privileges :
Neighbors and Friends, we therefore, cannot omit to recommend unto you, our present grievance, to wit, that we are sufficiently informed, that our late govern- ment under which we were subservient, is now silenced and eclipsed, we, under a sense of our deplorable and unsettled condition, do offer to you, whether it may not be expedient for the several towns of this late Colony, the several principal persons therein, to make their personal appearance at Newport, before the day of usnal Election by Charter, which will be the 1st day of May next, there to consult and agree of some suitable way in this present juncture, and whether our ancient privi- leges and former methods may not be best to insist upon, which we leave to your judicious consideration, and that you may not say, you were ignorant, but had the most timeliest notice that could be given at so little warning, is all at present from your real friends and neighbors.#
Newport, this 23d April, 1689.
W. C. J. C.
* Names of those imprisoned with Sir Edmund Andros. Jos. Dudley, Judge Palmer, Mr. Randolph, Lt. Col. Lydgett, Lt. Col. Margregry, Capt'a George, Major Brockholes, Mr. Graham, Mr. West, Capt'n Treffrey, Mr. Justice Bullivant, Mr. Justice Foxcroft, Capt'n White, Capt'n Raveneroft, Ensign Pipin, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Farewell, Mr. Jemeson, Mr. Kane, Mr. Broadbent, Mr. James Sherlock, Sheriff, Mr. Larkin, Capt'n Manning, Lt. Jordaine, Mr. Cuttler .- J. Carter Brown's Manuscripts, No. 264, Vol. V.
t Muss. Ilist. Coll., Vol. VII., p. J.
# The paper from which the foregoing copy is made, was received at Providence from Newport ; it appears to be the original, and is in the hand writing of Walter Clarke. The letter itself is very cautionsly drawn, and there is no notice of its reception upon the town records.
During the existence of Gov. Andros's administration, little transpired in the concerns of Providence, that can now be gathered from the records. There appear to have been elections of some town officers in 1687 and S, but none in 1682 .- Staples's Annals of Provi- dearc, p. 170.
VOL. III.
21
258
RECORDS OF TIIE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND,
[1689.
Petition from the Governor and Council of Rhode Island, to their Majesties William and Mary, of England.
Most dread Sovereign : We your Majesties' most humble subjects and supplicants of your Collony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England, having received the joyful tidings of both your Majesties' safe arrival in England, after your your so great and hazardous undertaking, for the good of the nation, to relieve them from Popery and arbitrary power; as also concerning your accessions to the Crown.
The Governor of this your Majesties' Collony, by the advice of his Councill, gave order for the proclaiming both your Majesties in each respective town in this your Collony ; which accordingly was done in most solemn manner, with all alacrity, be- seeching the God of heaven to continue your Majesties with a long and prosperous reign, not at all doubting but your Majesties will take care of all your subjects in this your dominion of New England, as opportunity shall present, that they may be not only freed from arbitrary power, but also may enjoy their lands and other an- cient rights and privileges; and therefore we humbly petition your Most Excellent Majestics' grace and favor towards us your most humble subjects and supplicants, that you would please, being Pater Patrio nostro, to extend your fatherly care in the granting a confirmation to our Charter, which although it was submitted to his late Majesty, nevertheless it was not condemned nor taken from us ; and therefore since the late Revolution, concerning Sir Edmund Andros, his being deposed from the government, we your Majesties' subjects, being destitute of government, saw cause under grace and favor, to re-assume the government according to our Charter, the Ist of May last past, being the Election day appointed by our said Charter, in which Assembly it was ordered, that the former Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants that were in place in the year of our Lord 1686, before the coming over of Sir Edmund Andros, our late Governor, should be established in their respective places for the year ensuing, or further order from England ; since which time Sir Edmund Andros made his escape from his confinement in your Majesties' Collony of the Massachusetts, unto Rhode Island, where he was speedily seized and secured until the Governor and Council of the Massachusetts Collony demanded him, by Commissioners sent for that purpose. And accordingly we, the Deputy Governor, and some of the Assistants, gave special order for his return, taking care that all moderation should be used in the conveyance of him; and we humbly conceive it hath been a great providence of God, in this Revolution, to prevent New England from partaking in Ireland's miseries.
May it please your Excellent Majesties, your transcendent love and favor ex- tended towards us, hath so radicated itself in our hearts never to be forgotten, that it obliges us to offer up ourselves, lives and fortunes to be at your Majesties' service beyond the power of any command. And we beg the God of Heaven to give both your Majesties a long and prosperous reign over us, and we humbly desire that your Majesties will be pleased to cause ns to be enrolled amongst your loving subjects.
Dated at Newport, on Rhode Island, your Majesty's Collony of Rhode Island,
259
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1690.]
and Providence Plantations, in New England, January the 30th, 1689-90. Sub- scribed by us, your loyal subjects, and most humble supplicants .* JOHN COGGESHALL, Deputy Governor,
JOHN EASTON, Assistant, EDWARD THURSTON, " JOHN GREENE, 66
GEORGE LAWTON, 16
JOSEPH JENCKS,
BENJAMIN SMITH,
Proceedings of the Generall Assembly held for the Collony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations al Newport, the 26th duy of February, 1689-90.
Major John Coggeshall, Deputy Governor.
Mr. John Easton, Mr. Edward Thurston,
Mr. Joseph Jencks,
ASSISTANTS. Mr. George Lawton, Major John Greene, Mr. Benjamin Smith,
RECORDER. Mr. Weston Clarke.
GENERAL SERGEANT. Mr. Thomas Frye.
* An abstract of a letter from Mr. Francis Brinley, Merchant, dated the 22d Februrary, 1689-90, to his son, Mr. Thos. Brinley, Merchant, in London.
At New York, Jacob Liesler rules at his will and pleasure, puts in prison whom he pleases, and there keeps them ; we are here in great confusion .. John Coggeshall styles him- self Deputy Governor, and John Greene, of Warwick, calls himself Assistant (both being of the Governor's Councill), intend next week to call a Generall Assembly, and to rule by the sword. It is high time his Majesty would seitle a government over New England. We can never govern ourselves with justice nor impartiality, unless there be a good gov- ernment established here, as in the other Plantations. I must remove.
27th Do .- This day our Deputy Governor and Assistant within mentioned, with their As- sembly sat, and because Walter Clarke (their Governor) refused to act, they chose another Governor, which was Chr. Almy : who refusing, they chose Henry Bull, who accepts and serves. Three days since, we heard that a town above Albany was cut off by the French and Indians, where seventy persons were killed ; the rest carried captives .- J. Carter Brown's Manuscripts, Vol. V. No. 208.
260
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND, [1690.
DEPUTIES.
Mr. James Barker, Mr. Benedict Arnold,
Mr. John Wood, Mr. Henry Bull,
Mr. Jonathan Hohnes,
Capt'n Clement Weaver,
Mr. Edward Thurston, Jun'r,
Mr. Christopher Almy,
Mr. Latham Clarke,
Mr. Ichabod Sheffield,
Mr. James Greene,
Mr. Peter Greene,
Mr. John Warner,
Mr. Israel Arnold,
Mr. Thomas Nichols,
Mr. John Maxon,
Mr. Joseph Clarke.
Mr. John Easton chosen Moderator of the Assembly. Major John Greene, chosen Clerk of the Assembly.
Ordered by the Assembly, That Mr. James Greene, Mr. Benedict Arnold, and Mr. Edward Thurston, Jun'r, are nomi- nated and appointed to go to Mr. Walter Clarke, Governor, and to Mr. Walter Newbury, Assistant, and desire them to come to the Court to-morrow, by eight of the clock, which will be the 27th instant, at. William Make's house ; or else give in their positive answer, whether they will serve in their respective places or no.
The Assembly is adjourned till to-morrow, eight of the clock in the morning.
February 27th.
Mr. Walter Clarke, and Mr. Walter Newbury, having made their appearance, read a paper, wherein it evidently appears they disclaim the government, as also through their neglect in disappearing at the last Assembly appointed by the Patent, and called by virtue of a warrant, subscribed Walter Clarke, Governor, to be held the last Wednesday in October last past, the said Court failed, the Assistants of the main being pre- vented by stormy weather, from appearing that day.
Therefore, for the preventing such inconvenience for the fu- ture, it is enacted by this Assembly, unanimously to proceed to election of a Governor and Assistants. in the room of theso that refuse to serve.
261
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1690.]
The Governor elected, was Mr. Christopher Alny, who being required, refused to serve in the place of a Governor ; giving satisfactory reasons to the Assembly ; whereupon the Assem- bly went to election of another, and chose Mr. Henry Bull, Governor, and elected Mr. Benedict Arnold, Assistant, in the room of Walter Newbury ; and Mr. John Coggeshall, Assistant, being sent for, appeared, and refused to serve. Whereupon the Court proceeded to election of an Assistant in his room, and chose Mr. Christopher Almy, Assistant. And then proceed- ed to engage the Governor, Deputy Governor ; and all the afore- said Assistants, who accordingly received the same; as also elected a Generall Treasurer, viz. : Mr. John Hulmes, who was also engaged.
Ordered, That Mr. Joseph Jencks, Assistant, Mr. Benedict Arnold, Assistant, Mr. Christopher Almy, Assistant, Mr. James Greene. Mr. Jonathan Holmes, and Mr. Joseph Clarke, Depu- ties, the Generall Recorder, the Generall Sergeant, and his Deputy, are by this Assembly appointed and empowered to go to the late Governor, Walter Clarke, Esquire, and demand and receive the Charter, and all other papers and things in his custody, belonging to this Collony, and in behalf of this As- sembly to give a discharge for what they receive, and return the premises unto this Assembly.
The return of the Committee is, that Walter Clarke, above- said, refuseth to deliver the Charter and writings, but declared that it was in a chest, and he would give leave to take it. Whereupon the Committee were ordered and empowered to take it accordingly : but their return was, that he refused to let the Charter go unless the Committee would forcibly open the chest and take it.
This Assembly taking into serious consideration the trouble that this Collony is put unto for want of efects to carry on the government, and to maintain their Majesties' interest against a foreign enemy, which is much to be feared in this juncture ; and understanding by the fermer Treasurer. Mr. John Woodman, that there is a considerable sum of money, to the sum of about thirty pounds in money or upwards, in the custo-
262
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND, [1690.
dy of Major Roger Holden'; as also about three hundred weight of wool, &c. Therefore, for the perfecting of the Col- lony's house in Newport, for which end said moneys were raised, as also for any other concerns that are for the mainten- ance of their Majesties' government, we nominate, appoint and empower Mr. Edward Thurston, Assistant, Mr. Joseph Jencks, Assistant, Mr. Jonathan Holmes, Mr. James Greene, and Capt'n Clement Weaver, to go to Major Roger Holden's and demand and receive the said moneys, and wool, and give receipt ; and upon refusal of delivery, they may take it by distraint, giving a receipt for what they take.
This Ist of March, 1689-90. JOIIN GREENE, Clerk of the Assembly.
The return of the Committee is according to the receipt giv- en, as followeth, viz. :
Newport, on Rhode Island, March the 1st, 1689-90.
By virtue of an order, given by the Generall Assembly, we whose names are under-written, have taken thirty-two pounds, eight shillings and eight pence, out of Major Holden's custody, being left there by John Woodman, General Treasurer, for the Collony's use, as witness our hands, the day and year above- written. This money is by tale, weight not known.
EDWARD THURSTON, Assistant, JOSEPHI JENCKS, JONATHAN HOLMES, JAMES GREENE, CLEMENT WEAVER.
And accordingly the said Committee have tendered and de- livered the said money, viz. : thirty-two pounds, eight shillings and eight pence, to this Assembly ; and therefore are dis- charged thereof by this Assembly.
Ordered, That the Deputy Governor, Major John Cogges- hall, and Mr. Benedict Arnold, Assistant, are appointed to tell and weigh the said money, and count it with the Treasurer Mr. John Hulmes, and deliver it unto him ; he giving a receipt
i
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AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1690.]
to this Generall Assembly for what he receives, for the Collo- ny's usc.
Voted, to adjourn this Assembly until Monday next, eight of the clock, in the morning.
March the 3d.
The Asssembly met accordingly.
Ordered, That whereas, this Assembly having had a letter presented to them by Capt'n Arthur Fenner, subscribed by Benjamin Church, signifying that Capt'n Andrew Edmunds had done very good service in the late Eastern wars, and re- ceived twelve pounds ; being but two-thirds of a Captain's pay. And forasmuch as he belonged to this Collony, for his encour- agement for future service, this Assembly doe order, that the said Capt'n Andrew Edmunds be paid six pounds by the Gen- erall Treasurer, out of the monies that can be raised out of the first levy.
Mr. Henry Bull, Jun'r, Mr. John Watson, Mr. James Rey- nolds, and Mr. Henry Tibbitts, are chosen Conservators of the Peace for Kingstown; and it is ordered, that Major John Greene, Assistant, and Mr. Benjamin Smith, Assistant, do spec- dily send for the said Conservators, to meet them at such place as they shall appoint, to tender and receive their engage- ments to their respective places, in the Governor's behalf.
Mr. Nicholas Carr is chosen Deputy Warden, for Conanicut, Jamestown.
Mr. Joseph Clarke is chosen Conservator for Westerly, and engaged.
The Deputy Governor, Major John Coggeshall, Mr. Benedict Arnold, and the Treasurer, Ensign John Hummes, being re- turned, they declare that there is delivered twenty-seven pounds, twelve shillings and ten pence, to Ensign John Hulmes, Treasurer, for the Collony's use, and he in Court hath owned the receipt thereof, accordingly.
It is ordered by this Assembly, Major John Coggeshall, Ma- jor John Greene, and Mr. Christopher Almy, are appointed a Committee to draw up a letter in answer to the gentlemen of
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RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND,
[1690.
Boston, relating to the wars at the Eastward, and present it to the Assembly.
The said Committee being returned, have brought in a let- ter, which being read, was approved on, and ordered to be transcribed by the Clerk of this Assembly, and signed in their behalfe.
Ordered. That the seal brought in by Mr. Arnold Collins, being the Anchor. with the motto " Hope," is appointed to be the Seal of the Collony, he having been employed by this As- sombly to make it.
Ordered. That the said Collony's Seal be in the Governor's custody, for the Collony's usc.
Ordered, Forasmuch as there is great cause of suspicion of an invasion by a foreign enemy, and assault by Indians, that therefore a military watch and ward be forthwith appointed in each respective town in the Collony.
And it is ordered, That if any persons refuse or negleet, the party or parties deficient, shall pay one shilling, sixpence per night, and one shilling, sixpence per day, for defect within three days after such neglect, or else it shall be taken by dis- traint, with satisfaction for distraining, as in other cases of like nature.
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