USA > Rhode Island > Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England. Printed by order of the General Assembly, Vol. V > Part 35
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I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
HOLDERNESSE.
To the Governor and Company of Rhode Island.
Governor Shirley to Governor Greene.
Boston, January 13, 1754.
Sir :- Some weeks ago, I had the honor of a letter from the Earl of Holdernesse, one of His Majesty's principal secretaries of state, directing me to send a quantity of muskets out of those which had been saved out of the late intended expedition
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against Canada, to Halifax, in Nova Scotia, for His Majesty's service there ; and signifying to me, that he had written to the Governors of New Hampshire, Connec- ticut and Rhode Island, directing them to transmit to me what arms and military stores had been saved out of their aforesaid expedition, within their respective gov- ernments, to be lodged in Castle William, for His Majesty's further orders.
As I cannot collect the quantity of good, serviceable muskets, which I am direct- ed to send to Halifax, within this Province, out of those which were saved out of that expedition, I desire Your Honor would be pleased to let me know by the first post, whether I am to expect any muskets from your government, according to the Earl of Holdernesse's orders.
I am, with great regard, sir, Your Honor's most obedient servant,
To the Hon. Governor Greene.
W. SHIRLEY.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport, the first Wednes- day of May, 1754.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor. The Hon. Jonathan Nichols, Deputy Governor.
The following officers declared elected, were duly engaged.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor. The Hon. John Gardner, Deputy Governor.
ASSISTANTS.
Mr. John Tillinghast, Mr. Nicholas Easton, Mr. Nicholas Cooke, Mr. Jabez Bowen, Mr. Stephen Brownell,
Mr. Robert Lawton, Mr. Jeremiah Lippitt, Mr. William Richmond, Mr. Daniel Coggeshall, Mr. Jeoffrey Watson.
SECRETARY. Mr. Thomas Ward.
ATTORNEY GENERAL. Mr. Daniel Updike.
GENERAL TREASURER. Mr. Thomas Richardson.
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RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND [1754.
DEPUTIES.
Newport.
Mr. Edward Scott,
Mr. Thomas Cranston,
Mr. Peter Bours,
Capt. Job Bennett, Jr.
Mr. James Sheffield,
Mr. William Read. Providence.
Mr. Jonathan Randall, Mr. Daniel Jenckes,
Mr. Thomas Olney,
Mr. John Potter, Jr. Portsmouth. Mr. William Anthony, Jr.,
Mr. John Allen,
Mr. Thomas Brownell,
Mr. Gideon Freeborn, Jr. Warwiek. Mr. Philip Greene,
Capt. Randall Rice,
Major John Rhodes,
Mr. Benjamin Arnold. Westerly.
Major Joshua Clarke, Capt. Benjamin Randall. New Shorchum. Capt. Robert Hull, Mr. Nathaniel Littlefield. North Kingstown. Mr. Henry Wall, Mr. Beriah Brown. South Kingstown. Mr. Henry Gardner, Mr. Rowland Robinson.
East Greenwich. Mr. William Spencer, Maj. John Arnold. Jamestown. Mr. Josiah Arnold, Jr. Mr. William Martin. Smithfield. Mr. Thomas Arnold, Mr. Jonathan Arnold. Seituate. Capt. Job Randall, Capt. Amos Hammond. Gloeester. Mr. Richard Steere, Col. Richard Smith, Charlestown. Col. Christopher Champlin, Mr. Robert Potter. West Greenwich. Mr. Joseph Nichols, Mr. Preserved Hall. Coventry. Mr. John Greene, Capt. John Ellerton. Exeter. Capt. John Reynolds, Mr. Nicholas Gardner. Middletown. Capt. John Barker, Mr. Thomas Gould. Bristol. Capt. Joseph Russell, Major Thomas Greene.
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DEPUTIES.
Tiverton.
Mr. Samuel Durfey,
Mr. Thomas Howland. Little Compton.
Mr. Nathaniel Searle,
Mr. Joseph Wood. Warren. Mr. James Brown,
Capt. Benjamin Barton.
Cumberland. Mr. Job Bartlett, Mr. Jeremiah Whipple. Richmond.
Mr. Samuel Tift, Mr. William Potter.
The Hon. Thomas Cranston, speaker, and Mr. Josias Lyndon, clerk.
Whereas, the sheriff of the county of Newport, was ordered by the General Assembly, at their session in February last, to bring Gideon Wanton, Esq., before this Assembly, at their present session, to answer for his abuses to said General As- sembly, but upon the information of the sheriff, that the said Gideon Wanton is absent, so that he cannot attend this session,-
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that the said Gideon Wanton be continued in the cus- tody of said sheriff, and be by him brought before this Assem- bly, at their next session, to answer for the aforesaid abuses.
God save the King.
Governor DeLancey, of New York, to Governor Greene.
New York, 22d April, 1754.
Sir :- In my opening speech of this session, I declared my apprehension. that unless the colonies unite in measures for building forts in the Indian country for their security, and the safety of the women and children, when the men are abroad, and for sending smiths and other proper persons to reside among them, we shall lose the little influence we still have over them ; and that though it was reasonable the expense should be borne by the colonies in general, yet it might be expected a scheme for that purpose should take its rise here.
I also recommended to the Assembly, that they would enable me to build a fort
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RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND [1754.
or forts on the northern parts of this Province, until I had used my endeavors to bring the neighboring governments to join in the expense of erecting as many forts as might be necessary to guard them and us from the incursions of the enemy in that quarter ; upon which they came to the enclosed resolution ; and is, I doubt not, your agreeing in opinion, that the building forts in the Indian country, is an essential step towards securing them and their allies in His Majesty's interest, in which all the colonies are much concerned ; and that the erecting other forts on the northern quarter, towards the French, is a necessary measure for our common securi- ty, you will, I am persuaded, use your Assembly to join in this necessary expense.
We cannot have a more favorable opportunity to concert a scheme for this pur- pose, than at the Albany treaty, where I hope to see commissioners from your gov- ernment, instructed on these heads.
I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, JAMES DE LANCEY.
To Ilis Excellency, William Greene, Governor of Rhode Island.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport, the second Mon- day of June, 1754.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. John Gardner, Deputy Governor.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that Jabez Bowen, Esq., Mr. Thomas Howland and Col. Christopher Champlin, be, and they are hereby constituted a committee to view the place appointed to build the light-house on Beaver Tail, and consider how much land is necessary for that purpose ; and in what manner the same should be set off, and make report to this Assembly, as soon as conveniently may be.
An Act appointing commissioners on the behalf of this govern- ment, to meet the commissioners of the other governments in America, on the 14th instant, at Albany, &c.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of this colony, and by the authority of the same it is enacted, that two persons be appointed by the General Assembly, and commissioned by His
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Honor, the Governor, to meet the commissioners that may be appointed by the other governments, aforesaid, to meet at Al- bany, on the 14th day of this instant June ; and that they be empowered, in said commission, to treat with the other com- missioners in the best manner they can, to take such measures as will be most effectual to secure and maintain a lasting friendship with the Six Nations of Indians.
And that they be further directed and empowered, in said commission, to draw on the general treasurer of this colony, for such a sum of money as they shall think may be a sufficient sum for this colony, by way of presents to the chiefs of the Six Nations, not to exceed £100.
And that they be further empowered to inquire into what forts are built and building within the limits of His Majesty's dominions, in America ; by whom their strength and situa- tions.
And that they be further directed in said commission, to let the commissioners on behalf of the other governments know, that this government is willing and ready to do any thing necessary on their part, so far as they are able, to support and defend the Six Nations of Indians from any insults offered to them by the French, or any of the nations of Indians in that part of America.
And that Edward Scott and Peter Bours, Esqs., be, and they are hereby appointed a committee, to draw £600, old tenor, out of the general treasury, and deliver the same to the com- missioners, in order to defray their expenses at the congress ; and in case there should not be £600 in the treasury, then the general treasurer is hereby empowered to hire the same on ac- count, and in behalf of the colony.
From the Governor of New York to Governor Greene.
New York, 19th March, 1754.
Sir :- By a letter from the lords commissioners for trade and plantations, direct- ed to His late Excellency, Sir Danvers Osborn, which came to my hands since his death, their lordships observing the present wavering disposition of the Indians, think a general interview by commissioners from the several governments, with the
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Six Nations of Indians, at this time, necessary, in order to wipe away any ill im- pressions that may have been made on them, by the common enemy .*
As this measure is of evident utility, and it cannot but have a good effect upon the Indians, to know the strength of the British settlements, and to see that they are acting in concert.
I shall not need to press you with any arguments to bear your part at this inter- view, by sending commissioners, to meet at Albany, on the 14th of June next, the time appointed for that purpose ; I hope to have the pleasure of seeing commis- sioners from your government at that time.
I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
To the Governor of Rhode Island. JAMES DE LANCEY.
This Assembly do choose and appoint Stephen Hopkins, Esq., first, and His Honor, the Deputy Governor, to be the other commissioner, to go to Albany, on the part of this colo- ny ; the latter of whom refusing, Capt. Benjamin Wickham was chosen in his room ; who also refusing, Martin Howard, Jr., of Newport, in the county of Newport, gentleman, was chosen in his stead.
Whereas, a great number of the free inhabitants of Provi- dence, represented unto this Assembly, that said town is very large, and well peopled, having about six hundred free holders therein ; that all their quarter meetings are held in the com-
* [Sir D'Anvers Osborne, was a brother-in-law of the Earl of Halifax, and suc- ceeded Clinton, as Governor of New York. He arrived on the 6th of October, 1753, and was received in New York, with the usual demonstrations of respect.
" During the voyage across the Atlantic," says Bancroft, " the agitated mind of Osborne, already reeling with private grief, brooded despondingly over the task he had assumed. On the 10th of October, he took the oaths of office, at New York ; and the people who welcomed him with acclamations, hooted his predecessor. 'I expect the like treatment,' said he to Clinton, ' before I leave the government.' On the same day, he was startled with an address, from the city council, who declared they would not ' brook any infringement of their inestimable liberties, civil and re- ligious.' On the next, he communicated to the council his instructions, which required the Assembly ' to recede from all encroachments on the [royal] preroga- tives, and to consider, without delay, of a proper law for a permanent revenue, solid, definite and without limitation,' etc. With a distressed countenance and plaintive voice, he asked if these instructions would be obeyed. All agreed, that the Assembly would never comply. Hle sighed, turned about, reclined against the window-frame, and exclaimed, ' Then why am I come here ?'
Being of morbid sensitiveness, honest, and scrupulous of his word, the unhappy man spent the night in arranging his private affairs, and towards morning, hanged himself against the fence in the garden."-Hlist. U. S., Vol. IV., p. 103 .- J. R. B.]
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pact part of the town, whither many of them are obliged to travel, some eight, nine, and others ten miles; and that at some seasons of the year, travelling is difficult, &c. ; whereupon, they prayed said town might be divided in the manner and form by them set down and described in their petition; on consideration whereof ;-
This Assembly do grant the said petition; and appoint Daniel Jenckes and Thomas Arnold, Esqs., and Mr. John Pot- ter, Jr., a committee, to draw an act for that purpose.
The gentlemen appointed to receive the stores, &c., at Fort George, of Capt. William Mumford, late commander of said fort, and deliver them to James Sheffield, Esq., now captain there, presented this Assembly with the following report, &c., viz. :
Report of the Committee appointed to receive the stores from Fort George.
". We, the subscribers, being by the General Assembly, appointed a committee to receive of Capt. William Mumford all the stores at Fort George, and to deliver them to Capt. James Sheffield, do report :
We have, (in the presence of Capt. William Mumford) delivered to Capt. James Sheffield, as per his receipt, all the stores, agreeably to the list hereto annexed :
Within the battery, viz. : twenty-four cannon and twenty-four carriages, chiefly broken ; eight hundred and sixty-eight cannon shot.
Within the fort walls, viz .: twelve cannon and twelve carriages ; forty-three handspikes; one speaking trumpet ; thirteen worms; five spare wheels; thirty-one sponge staffs ; one flag ; one grind stone ; one iron crow; two wheel barrows ; eight hundred and forty-three cannon shot ; eight iron pots; one wood axe ; one frying pan ; two pick axes; seventy-one four shot ; eight ladles; twenty-eight pistols ; seventeen small arms ; twenty-five lineh-stocks ; one old drum; nine cart- ridge boxes ; nine powder horns; eighteen cartouch boxes ; four half barrels of grenade shells ; one eask of pistol cartridges ; five formers ; four cutlasses ; a small parcel of pistol ball ; one perspective glass.
In the state room, eleven chairs and one table.
Outside of the fort, one triangle gin ; one rowing boat, at the wharf.
Newport, dated June 10, 1754."
JOHN TILLINGHAST, THOMAS CRANSTON.
[A committee was afterwards appointed annually, to receive and transfer the stores at Fort George ; this receipt is printed to show the extent of the arms and stores at the fort. Similar reports appear yearly, on the records .- J. R. B.]
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RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND [1754.
" Fort George, in Newport : received of the abovesaid committee, into my care, all the stores, agreeably to the above list.
Witness my hand, this 10th day of June, A. D. 1754.
JAMES SHEFFIELD."
To which report, the committee add the following account, to wit :
" Colony of Rhode Island, Dr.
1754, June 10. To our time, &c.
£6 00 0
JOHN TILLINGHAST, THOMAS CRANSTON."
And now, this Assembly, having taken the premises into consideration,-
Do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that the foregoing report be, and the same is hereby accepted ; and that £6, the amount of the committee's account, be allowed, and paid them, out of the general treasury.
An Act for dividing the town of Providence, and incorporating the southern part thereof, into a township, to be distinguish- ed and known by the name of Cranston.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of this colony, and by the authority of the same it is enacted, that all the lands in the town of Providence, lying to the southward of a line be- ginning at the head of the cove, called and known by the name of Hawkins's Cove ; from thence, a straight line, to the bent of Pochasset River, a little to the northward of Charles Dyer's ; and so to continue up said river, until it comes to the to the road that leads from the town of Providence to Plain- field ; and thence, westerly, up said road, until it comes to the Seven Mile line, that is the dividing line between the town of Providence and Scituate; then southerly, with said Seven Mile line, until it comes to the south-west corner of the town- ship of Providence, where Providence and Scituate join in Warwick's north line ; thence casterly, on the dividing line between Providence and Warwick, until it meets the salt water or river, that leads up to Providence town ; then, bound-
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ing on the salt water or river, as the same extends itself up stream, towards Providence town, until it comes to the afore mentioned bound, at Hawkins's Cove.
And it is further enacted, that all the lands to the north- ward of the afore mentioned line, from Hawkins's Cove, to the bent at Charles Dyers's, and so up the river, to where Plain- field road crosses said river ; and all the lands to the northward of said Plainfield road, until it meet the aforesaid Seven Mile line, and shall be, and remain to the town of Providence; and all the lands to the southward of the last mentioned lines, to be distinguished and known by the name of Cranston ; and that the inhabitants of said Cranston, from time to time, have and enjoy the like benefits, liberties, privileges and immunities, with other towns in this colony, according to charter.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the justices of the peace living within the aforesaid town of Cranston, shall remain and continue in their aforesaid offices until the next general election ; and that the first of the said justices of the peace, grant forth his warrant to call the inhab- itants of said Cranston together, on Tuesday, the 25th day of this instant June, at some convenient place in said town of Cranston, to elect and appoint such town officers as they shall have occasion for, and the law directs ; and to appoint the times and places of their town meeting, and to choose and elect two deputies to represent them at the October session, and so on, as by the charter is directed.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that said town of Cranston shall send two grand and two petit ju- rors to every superior court of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery ; and two grand and two petit jurors to every inferior court of common pleas, and general sessions of the peace, held within the county of Providence.
And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from henceforward, the town of Providence shall keep in repair the one half of the aforementioned highway or road, called Plainfield Road, from the place where the aforesaid Pochasset crosses the same, as aforesaid, until it comes to the aforemen-
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tioned'dividing line of Scituate and Providence ; and that the town of Cranston keep in repair the other half ; and that the town of Providence begin at the aforementioned river where it crosses said road ; and so measure one half of the distance from said river, up said road, which half, Providence shall keep and maintain in repair; and the western half, the town of Cranston shall keep and maintain in repair, for the future.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the debts which are now due from the town of Providence (such as town debts), shall be first paid out of the interest money arising from the interest of the loan money taken by the inhabitants of the town of Providence, out of the several banks ; and that after the aforesaid town debts are paid, that then the interest of the aforesaid loan money, shall go to the respective town where the lands are mortgaged ; but in case there be not interest money enough to discharge the now debts of the town of Providence, that then the inhabitants of the town of Cranston shall raise and pay their equal lot, by levying a rate on the inhabitants of said town of Cranston ; and that the debts which are now due from the town of Providence, shall be settled and paid in proportion as the last town rate was levied on the inhabitants.
And be it further enacted, that the poor persons who are now a town charge to the town of Providence, shall be equally divided between the towns of Providence and Cranston, ac- cording to the levy of the aforesaid rate.
And that Daniel Jenckes, Jonathan Randall and Philip Greene, Esqs., or the major part of them, be a committee to draw the aforesaid line, from Hawkins's Cove to the bent of Pochasset River, aforesaid; and also to settle and adjust the debts now due from the town of Providence, and order what part of Cranston shall pay of the same, and what part of the pour persons of the towns of Providence and Cranston shall take, as their part ; and the report of said committee, or any two of them, to be final, when made to this General As- sombly.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re-
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solved, that William Burton, Esq., shall be deemed, and taken to be, and act as the first justice in Cranston.
Whereas, Gideon Wanton, Esq., on the 14th day of this in- stant June, was brought before this Assembly, in consequence of a warrant issued against him, upon the information and com- plaint of Mr. Gideon Freeborne, one of the members of this Assembly, who, upon his engagement, declared, that said Gideon Wanton had very grossly abused the General Assem- bly of this colony ;-
Whereupon, this Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that the said Gideon Wanton recognize himself to the King's Majesty, in the sum of £3,000, for his personal appearance at the next superior court of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery, to be held at Newport, within and for the county of Newport, on the last Tuesday of August next, to answer unto such things as shall then and there be objected against him, respecting the premises ; and to do and abide what shall be enjoined him by said court ; and to be of good behaviour in the mean time ; and that he remain in custody till he recognize as aforesaid.
The gentlemen that were appointed a committee to view the place designed to build a light-house upon Beaver Tail, pre- sented this Assembly with the following report, viz. :
Report of Committee on Light House, at Beaver Tail.
" Newport, June 12, 1754.
We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee by the General Assembly, to view and make return to this Assembly, what quantity of land is necessary for the government to pur- chase, adjoining to the light house, on Beaver Tail, which is ordered by the government to be built, do adjudge that two acres will be necessary ; that is, to begin at the Point, and to extend so far northward, as to make up said two acres, includ- ing all the land, beach and upland, across said Neck, from high water mark ; and do also give it as our opinion, that there ought to be a way left on the east side of said land, to
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extend from the north part of said land, down to the Point, between where the light house is intended to be built, and the dwelling house, for all people to pass and re-pass ; as wit- ness our hands, the day and year above written.
JABEZ BOWEN, CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN, THOMAS HOWLAND,
Committee."
And now, this Assembly, having taken the said report into consideration,-
Do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that the same be, and is hereby accepted ; and that Messrs. James Sheffield and William Read, be, and they are hereby appointed and fully empowered, on behalf of the colony, to agree for the above mentioned land, with the owners thereof, and make re- port to this Assembly, at their next session.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that the judges of the several courts in this colony, in making up judgments where the paper currency of this colony is sued for, shall make no allowance for depreciation.
God save the King.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island und Providence Plantations, at Newport, the third Mon- day of August, 1754.
The Ilon. William Greene, Governor. The Hon. John Gardner, Deputy Governor.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that the sum of £25,000 be raised, by a tax, to be forthwith assessed and levied on the estates and polls of the inhabitants of this colony ; and that the same be applied to
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sink the colony's outstanding bills of public credit, and to sup- ply the treasury ; and that a committee of both houses be ap- pointed to prepare a bill, and proportion the same.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that the sum of £5,000 be raised by a tax, to be forth- with assessed and levied on the estates and polls of the inhab- itants of this colony ; and that the same be applied to the re- pair of Fort George.
Whereas, the duties laid on shipping have been found insuf- ficient to defray the charge of lights, at Beaver Tail, since the light house was burnt there ;-
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