USA > Rhode Island > The correspondence of the colonial governors of Rhode Island, 1723-1775, Vol. II > Part 5
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1 See the following document.
2 Nova Scotia.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
less evident that the present Season is the very criti- cal Conjuncture for the effectual Execution of this design, which if once lost may never be retreived ; and so the Neglect of improving it be attended with such Calamities and Disasters as will not be fully understood 'till they are felt: This being the Case, I must press your Honour in the strongest manner to make up as large a Body of Troops as you can, and send them well appointed with all possible Ex- pedition, with your Colony Vessel of War, for this Service. There are now three hundred Men remain- ing at Annapolis for this Service, allowing for a hun- dred and fifty Men of the Garrison, who can be spared while our Men, who are restrained by Capitu- lation from acting against the Enemy up the Bay,1 may keep Garrison in their room; Besides which three hundred Men I have three hundred more ready to send, provided the several Governm's in New Eng- land will do their parts to make up a Body of twelve hundred Men, or if they will make it up fifteen hun- dred Troops, I shall much more chearfully bear my Part of that Number. I am aware that some may object against this Proceeding, that the Troops may be call'd for on the Expedition against Canada be- fore they can return from Nova Scotia; But as it is not probable that that will be the Case, especially if we be expeditious in this Business, so they will be in as great or greater readiness to proceed from Annapolis Royal than from their respective Colo- nies, be better secur'd from Desertions, and be more
1 The terms of surrender were that the English at Grand Pré should not bear arms within the next six months in the district about the head of the Bay of Fundy.
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Correspondence of the
inur'd to the Hardships and Discipline of War, and consequently the more fit for Service than they will be if they stay at home. I hope the Expence of Pro- visions and Transports will be no Obstacle to your sending a Reinforcemt to Nova Scotia upon this extraordinary Emergency ; if your Assembly should refuse to bear that, which I hope they will not, I am perswaded your Honour may in such Case safely take up Provisions and Transports at the Charge of the Crown upon this particular Occasion, and that your Honours Bills of Exchange upon the Lords of the Treasury in favour of such Persons as shall ad- vance a Sum in Bills of Credit for this Service, will be duly paid. And as an Inducemt to the Men to go more chearfully upon this Duty, I am determin'd to advance sixteen Pounds old Tenour to every Man whom I shall send upon it, and to draw Bills of Ex- change upon the Lords of Treasury; And as for the Officers who shall proceed in it, I doubt not but they will greatly recommend themselves to his Majesty thereby.
From the Disposition your Honour shew'd to as- sist in the Protection of Nova Scotia the last Fall,1 tho' it happen'd to fail of it's intended Effect, I doubt not but you will now exert yourself with the utmost Vigour in this Part of his Majesty's Service, and for the general Good of the Colonies.
You must be sensible, Sir, what immediate Dis- patch this Business requires, and that not an Hour's time should be lost for effecting it; I purpose to have the Reinforcement wch I shall send from this
1 See letter of November 4, 1746, and note.
.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Province at Annapolis by the End of this Month at farthest (if possible) to be ready there to proceed to Minas or Schiegnecto, as the Case shall require, be- fore M! De Ramsay's Vessels can get away from thence, and I must desire the favour of your Answer by the Bearer.1
I am Sir,
Your Honour's most Obedient humble Servant W SHIRLEY.
P. S. Tho' I have very lately receiv'd an Answer from your Honour, wherein you acquaint me that your Governm! then declin'd sending the Levies rais'd by them to Nova Scotia ;2 yet I hope the late Event at Minas will induce 'em to alter their Reso- lution; and that you will not fail to send both your Colony Sloop and your levies.
The honble WILLIAM GREENE Esq.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.3
At a Council held at the Council Chamber in BOSTON upon Fryday February 27th 1748.
His Excellency having communicated to this Board Advices he has received from Nova Scotia, by which it appears that the Enemy has obtain'd con- siderable Advantages over his Majesty's Troops raised in this Province, and sent thither for the De-
1 See Greene's answer of March 6.
2 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 211.
8 Enclosed with letter of March 4, 1747.
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Correspondence of the
fence of that Province; And the Board being of Opinion that the Preservation of that Country is of the utmost Importance as well for the Interest of the Crown as the Safety of his Majesty's Northern Colo- nies.
Advised that his Exc! send to the Governors of the neighbouring Colonies to inform them of this State of Affairs in Nova Scotia, and in the most pressing manner to desire that they would without delay prepare a Number of Troops, and transport them to Nova Scotia, and send their respective arm'd Vessels thither to join with the King's Troops raised in this Province, and such Vessels as may be sent from hence, that so there may be a sufficient Force for the driving the Enemy out of that Country.
Copy examined per J WILLARD Secretary.
GOVERNOR GREENE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY.
BRISTOL 6 March at 2 Clock afternoon.
S.
Just now Rec'd your Express of the 4th Instant 1 and am Sorry for the Misfortune of the Troops at Annapolis And in Answer to Your Excelencies Re- quest Shall Do everything in my Power to Cause this Colony to Do their Proportion, towards assist- ing Annapolis, but Do not Apprehend its in my Power To act in that affare without the Gen" assem- bly And as I have before Informa Your Excelency
1 See preceding letter.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
that our Gard Sloop is not only out of Repare And her Men all Discharged, but the provisions and Store Laid in by this Colony (when Designed for Annapo- lis are Disposed of - so that at present I Cannot Informe Your Excelency what Resolution this Col- ony will Come into.
I am S! Your Most Humble Servant
W. GREENE
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND.
LONDON 3d month the 20. 1747
To the Govern" of Rhd Island &ca
My last to thee was of 24th 12th month 1 and 16th of 2ª month 2 last about the Colonys Affairs, since which I have received none of thy favours wch prob- ably might have miscarried as there have been 2 or 3 Ships from Boston lately taken by the Enemy viz Cap: Prince, Capt Watts, and a Ship bound to N. Castle.
I hope ere this time the Dividing Line of the Boundaries is Run (tho' probably the Province of the Massachusts did not joyn in the doing it) and that the Inhab's on the Borders are thereby quieted in their Possessions.3
As to our Demand for the Expence in the Expe- dition against Cape Breton, that Matter having been before the Board of Trade on a Referrence from the King in Council (as I heretofore advised thee) they
1 See above, p. 38.
2 Not in the archives.
3 See note to letter of May 31; 1746.
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Correspondence of the
have made their Report thereupon (a Copy of the Purport thereof comes inclosed,1) and it lays now at the Council Office for the Lords of the Council to proceed upon, wch we expect they will shortly, but we can hardly expect the Money to be paid I find till next Sesions of Parliam to any of us -and this Sessions they say will break up in abo! 3 weeks time wherein nothing has been done to the prejudice of the Plantations.
I have not been able to obtain the Stores yet for the Colony tho' often Solicited for but shall continue my Endeavours.
As for Publick News, The War with France and Spain continues and no likelyhood of Peace, - The Dutch have lately chosen the Pr: of Orange their Stadholder wch will add vigour to the Allies and be a mortifica" to the French, and it's expected that the Dutch will now the more readily come in to take part in the War: The D. of Cumberland is at the Head of an Army of abot 100000. Men in Flanders and that a gen" Battle will soon happen there. Ad- mirals Anson and Warren have been out wth a con- sidble Number of Men of War on a Cruize lately and met with a Fleet of Men of War East India Men and Transports of 38 Saile newly sailed out of Rochell2 in France of which they have taken 6 French Men of War of 74, 66, 56, 52, 52, and 44 Guns and 6 East India Ships and 2 Transports wth Stores
1 See the following document.
2 The French fleet under La Jonquière (who had brought home the remnant of D'Anville's unfortunate squadron) sailed from Rochelle May 10, 1747, and on May 14 met, and was defeated by, the English under Anson and Warren.
-
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
(wch its Supposed cost in the whole a million or a Million and half Sterls) and thereby have doubtless quite disconcerted their designs wch was as they say, when their Fleet had Sailed together for sometime to have divided themselves, Two of the Men of War and part of the Fleet were bound to the East Indies, and the rest of the Men of War and Transports to Canada after Endeavouring to retake Cape Breton by the Way.
I am with due Respects
Thy assured Friend RICHP PARTRIDGE
27 ditto
this day 20. Waggons load of Silver and Gold was bro! to this City from Portsm. the prize money taken in the above Ships by Admir's Anson and Warren and a pretty deal more expected up
To The Governour and Company of . Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
REPORT OF THE LORDS OF TRADE.1
That they had been attended by the Agent who laid before them an account of Expences of the Col- ony of Rhode Island, in the Reduction and Secur- ing of Cape Breton, Attested upon Oath to be a true account by John Gardiner Commissary Gen! and certifyed under the Seal of the Colony of Rhode
1 Enclosed with letter of May 20, 1747.
VOL. II.
*
.
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Correspondence of the
Island by Gideon Wanton Gov: the particulars of which said Accot are distinguished under the follow- ing head, viz. &cª
And after reciting the several heads of the Acts of Assembly and hints of the Substance of General Pepperrell and Admiral Warrens Letters - they say
But as the said Petitioner had no Vouchers of the several Particulars of the said Account, or any other Evidence than what appears upon the Face thereof to lay before Us that might enable Us to adjust and Liquidate the Same pursuant to the directions of Your Majestys Order in Council, We must humbly Submit the said Accot a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed to Your Majesty's Pleasure.1
MONSON
R PLUMER
H. Fox
B LEVESON GOWER FRA. FANE
WHITEHALL
May 12. 1747
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GOVERNOR WANTON 2 TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY.
NEWPORT the 22ª May 1747
Sir
This Serves to acknowledge the Reci'pt of your Excleny's letter of the 18th Instant 3 with an Extract from Coll. Stodards Letter Inclosed: As to what your Excel"y Signifies of the necessity in assisting of the Indians of the Six nations I shall Communicate
1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 218.
8 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 216.
2 Elected governor in May, 1747.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
the Same to our Gen"! Assembly which Sits here by AdJournment on the Second Tusday in June Next and use my Endeavors to have a Due Consideration thereon; and then Shall aquaint you of Theire Re- solution on that affaire and am with Due Respects &c. your most 1
asured freind and Servt
Endorsed : To Gov. SHIRLEY.
GID. WANTON
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
BOSTON June 1. 1747
Sir,
I wrote to your Honour the 18th of May 2 last to inform you of the State of Affairs in relation to the Six Nations and the general Inclination among 'em to prosecute the War against Our Common Enemy, and thereupon to desire that your Government would encourage this Spirit in those Indians by making such Supplies for fitting 'em out and rewarding their Services, as may be necessary for that End. Since the Date of my Letter Our General Court are met and having taken the same Matter under Considera- tion, have Voted One Thousand Pounds New Tenor to be put into the Hands of Colo Stoddard3 to be
1 The Assembly declined "to bear part of the charge and expense of encouraging and fitting out the Six Nations of Indians to prosecute the war against the French." Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 218.
2 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 216.
3 Colonel John Stoddard of Northampton, Superintendent of Defence of the county of Hampshire in western Massachusetts, and for several years a member of the Coun- cil of the province. He died in 1748.
+
.
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Correspondence of the
employ'd in this Service, which together with £750. before remitted him in Goods by Order of the Gov- ernment, being added to the many Presents which this Governm! have made to those Indians since the Beginning of the War, may justly be esteemed so large a Proportion of the Charge, necessary in the most effectual Manner to encourage the six Nations to Prosecute this War, that if the other Governmts in North America would grant proportionable Sums for the same Service, it is highly probable that the Success of these Attempts would more than Answer our Expence, it being the most likely way to weaken and distress the French at present, and to make way for the Reduction of Canada, whenever it may be attempted.
This I write to your Honour at the Request of our General Assembly (who are much concerned to have this Affair succeed) as well as from my own earnest Desire to promote an Affair in which I think his Majesty's Interest and the Safety of his Good Subjects in these Colonies is so deeply concerned ; And therefore I must pray your Honour to lay this Matter before your Assembly, and use your Influ- ence for bringing them to join with us in promoting this Service
I am Sir
Your Honour's humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
The Honble GIDEON WANTON Esq.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
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SECRETARY WILLARD TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
BOSTON June 20. 1747
Sir,
I am directed by the General Court of this Pro- vince to acquaint your Honour, that his Exc! our Governour has determined (at the request of both Houses) to send a Flag of Truce to Canada, with Commissioners to proceed therein to Quebec, in order to procure the redemption of all such English Prisoners belonging to this Governm and the Gov- ernm's of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island as may be within that Governmt, and to use all possible Care to recover such of the sª English Captives as may be in the hands of the Indians ; And that all the french Prisoners that may be obtained within these Governments be sent in the Flag of Truce to Canada; And I am further to inform your Honour that the Resolution of this Governmt in the said Affair is taken in Confidence that the Govern- ments of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island will join in the Expence that will arise by the sending the said Flag of Truce in proportion to the Number of Prisoners belonging to each Govern- ment that may be redeemed; 1 And it is also desired that your Honour would give Orders that whatever french Prisoners are within your Colony be forthwith got ready to be sent hither in order to their being transported to Canada in the said Flag of Truce. Your Honour will be pleas'd to let this Government
1 For a list of the Rhode Island prisoners, see below.
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Correspondence of the
know your Determination in this Affair as soon as you can with Convenience.
I am Sir,
Your Honours most Obedient and most humble Servant
JOSIAH WILLARD
The honble GIDEON WANTON Esq.
List of Rhode Island Prisoners.
A List of Prisoners belonging to Rhode Island, and returned to Boston in the Flag of Truce from Quebec, Augst 16. 1747.
John Pike
Edwª Tew
John Years
Gregory Cousins
Jacob Judah
Samuel Sayers
Extract
Examined by J WILLARD Secy.
GOVERNOR WANTON TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY.
NEWPORT ON RHODE ISLAND august 26th 1747 Sir.
I have Received Your Excellencys Letter of the 20th Current1 the matters therein Contained are of Such a nature that I have no authority to act upon
1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 224. There is no note upon this matter in the Assembly records.
F
.....
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
them; and make with your Excellency any agree- ment relating thereto that can be obligatory upon this Government; the Generall Assembley of this Collony is to Sit the Next week; and it being there province alone to Determine in all Such Things as are recommended to me in your Excellencys Leter ; I will then lay it before them, together with the papers that accompanied it; tis impossible for me to tell what they will resolve upon ; but I think it highly probable that they Will readiley agree to bear the proportionable Part of the Charge for Transporting the Six Prisoners, mentioned by your Excellency, from Canada to Boston
I am Sir
yours G. WANTON
Endorsed : To His Excellency WILLIAM SHIRLEY Esq!
Gov: of the province of the Massachusets Bay
PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND GOVERNOR KNOWLES.
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle having in his Letter to Governour Shirley1 Signified that His Majesty finding it necessary to Employ the greatest part of His Forces to Assist His Allies and defend the Libertys of Europe Had thought proper for the
1 A letter from Shirley of October 10, enclosing extracts of the letter of the Duke of Newcastle referred to here, is in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 227, 229. For Governor Wanton's replies, see Ibid., V. 230, 233. This Proclamation was evidently enclosed with Shirley's letter of October 29, Ibid., V. 231.
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Correspondence of the
present to lay aside the Prosecution of the intended Expedition against Canada and Commanded him and Governour Knowles to discharge all the Forces raised for that Service (excepting such as they should Judge necessary to be kept in Pay for Securing the Province of Nova Scotia) and to thank the Officers and Men in His Majesty's Name for their readiness and Zeal to enter into His Service.
In Consequence thereof we do hereby discharge all the Said Officers and Men (except four Hun- dred) out of His Majestys Service from the 31st of October 1747 and they are hereby discharged ac- cordingly.
And We do also thank them in His Majesty's Royal Name for their readiness to Engage in their Country's Cause against the Common Enemy and though they are prevented at present of Revenging themselves on a Cruel Perfidious Enemy it cannot be doubted but that the same Zeal and Spirit will always Animate them to Serve again when ever they are called upon. Given under our Hands this 28th day of October 1747.
W SHIRLEY. CHAS KNOWLES.
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
BOSTON Nov. 24. 1747
Sir
Since my last to Your Honour, M! Knowles and I have reciev'd a Letter from Governour Clinton wherein he acquaints us that he has hitherto paid
--
1
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
the Levies of his own Government, Maryland, Vir- ginia, and Pensilvania after the Rate of 6ª Sterling per day over and above their Provisions, wch have been allow'd 'em and that he shall pay 'em the Re- mainder now due to 'em at the same Rate: Where- upon M: Knowles and I think the Rate of paying the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Is- land Levies is so far fix'd by M: Clinton's having proceeded thus in paying off the Western Levies that we think any Abatement in the Pay of the New Englª Levies or Stoppage for Provisions or billetting Money allow'd 'em by the Colonies wo'd raise the utmost Discontent among the Soldiers and be greatly prejudicial to his Majesty's Service in New England upon any future Expedition, and have therefore de- termin'd that the Levies of the three beforemen- tion'd New England Colonies shall be paid of[f] at the Rate of 6ª a day Sterling clear of Stoppages for Provisions or billetting Money allow'd 'em by the Governmts 1 wch Determination we the more readily come into as we find it is agreeable to the General Opinion of the Governours concern'd in the Expe- dition ; and I now acquaint You with it that the Men may be paid off at the Rate of 6ª Sterling per day clear of any Stoppage for Provisions found 'em by Your Colony.
I must now observe to Your Honour that the Accots transmitted to M! Knowles and myself by the Hands
1 Shirley's first plan was to pay the men 6d. per day from the time of embarkation for Nova Scotia till their return to their respective colonies ; before and after those times a stoppage was to be made for provisions, and the men to receive but 2d. per day. In no respect were Newcastle's directions so explicit as in the desire to avoid expense. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 229, 232.
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Correspondence of the
of Colonel Kennecutt seem fram'd to make the Crown Debtor for the billetting Money and Provisions found by Your Colony for the Soldiers rais'd within it for the late intended Expedition, as also for the Vessells hir'd to transport 'em and Your Colony Sloop fitted out for their Guard; as to the first of which Articles I wo'd acquaint You that it was expected by his Majesty to be found at the Expence of all the Colonies concernd for the Soldiers rais'd within their particular Governm's and requir'd from 'em by his Majesty so to be; and that Your Colony is single in it's Demands upon the Crown for the Provisions which they have purchas'd for their Re- spective levies and Transports or Vessells of Warr provided by it on their Account and the only one that appears to M' Knowles and me yet to have made it; and it is evident from the Tenour of Your Act,1 a Copy of which You inclos'd me, that it was not the Intention of Your Government at the time of making it, that either the Provisions or Transports and Vessells of Warr found by it, sho'd be charg'd to the Crown; I'm sure it never enter'd into the Thoughts of this Government to do it. I hope there- fore You will reconsider these two Articles and ex- plain Yourself farther upon them; For M! Knowles and I shall think ourselves oblig'd to observe upon both of 'em to the Duke of Newcastle in the same Manner that I now do to Your Honour.
M: Knowles and I observe Medecines charg'd and Expences in taking Care of the Sick, for satisfying which we wo'd advise You to make a Deduction of
1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 172, 173.
.
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
the three pence Sterl: per Month out of the Pay of private Men, four pence per Month from the Corpo- rals, and six pence from the Sergeants to pay it; as I shall do from the Non-Commission Officers and private Men rais'd within this Government: For we don't think any thing will be allow'd for it by the Crown as it is usual to provide for it by Deductions from the Men.
If there are any other Articles upon which it may be necessary for me to observe to Your Honour, which I don't recollect at present I will transmit 'em by next Post, but having but just time now to save the Post, I shall only desire Your Answer by the Return of it, to this, as I must dispatch away an Express to England the Beginning of next Week, and wo'd fain include Your Accounts in it.
I must also beg of You to let Col' Kinnicutt know, that M! Knowles and I shall give Certificates to the Officers of what is due to 'em sign'd by both of us to intitule 'em to their Pay wth the Paymaster General of his Majesty's forces and that if he will furnish me wth an Acco! of what is due to the Rhode Island Officers and let me see him in time; I will give them such Certificates; which will probably be more satis- factory to 'em than any Method they can think of for adjusting the Pay due to 'em. I am
Your Honour's Most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
Govern! WANTON.
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Correspondence of the
COLONEL KINNICUTT 1 TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
Sir
Governour Shirley informs me that agreeable to his Instruction from the Duke of New Castle he had applyd To thiss Goverment To furnish the Money To pay of the three Companies Raised in thiss Colony for the Intended Expedition against Canada 2 To which application he had not Received a full answer but was in Termes to thiss purpose that they Should not or Could not do it at the preasent Which he Says is nither a Denial nor acceptence and that he Could not act With any propriety in Drawing of Bills or any other matter that Related to the affair Without he had a full and absolute answer Wheather the Goverment Would furnish the money or not I desire in behalf of the officers and Soldiers, that a full and peremptory answer may be Given him Which Done I hope no New objection will occur but that the affair may be Brought to a Speedy Conclusion Mean While I am With Due Respect your
Honours most Humbe Servant
EDWARD KINNICUTT
PROVIDENCE, February 13 : 174}
To the Honourable GIDION WANTON Esq! Governour at Newport
1 Lieutenant-colonel of the three companies sent to Canada in 1746.
2 See Newcastle's directions in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 229. For resolution of the As- sembly, Ibid., V. 226, and for measures finally adopted, viz., an emission of bills of credit, Ibid., V. 243.
GIDEON WANTON 1745-1746, 1747-1748
1
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Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR WANTON.
BOSTON Feb! 29. 174}
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