Transcriber's Note This version of the text is unable to reproduce certain typographic features. Italics are delimited with the '_' character as _italic_. Superscripts are used in certain period quotations (e.g., y^e), are represents, as shown, with the carat character. Should more than one character be superscripted, they are enclosed in brackets (e.g., Y^{or}). The 'oe' ligature appears only in the words 'manoeuvring', and is rendered as separate characters. Words printed using small capitals are shifted to all upper-case. Footnotes have been relocated to the end of paragraph breaks or tables, and are assigned sequential letters. Please consult the notes at the end of this text for a more detailed discussion of any other issues that were encountered during its preparation. [Illustration: STATUE OF ROGER WILLIAMS.] A SHORT HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND, BY GEORGE WASHINGTON GREENE, LL.D., LATE NON-RESIDENT PROFESSOR OF AMERICAN HISTORY IN CORNELL UNIVERSITY; AUTHOR OF "THE LIFE OF MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE;" "HISTORICAL VIEW OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION," ETC., ETC. [Illustration] PROVIDENCE: J. A. & R. A. REID, PUBLISHERS, 1877. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by ANNA MARIA GREENE, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. TO Anna Maria Greene, MY DEAR MOTHER: You bear your ninety-three years so lightly that I invite your attention to a new volume of mine with as much assurance of your sympathy as when I crowed and wondered over my first picture book an infant on your knee. For your sympathy is as quick and as warm as it was then, and your memory goes back with unerring certainty to the men and the scenes of almost a century ago. Your eyes have looked upon Washington, and your tenacious memory can still recall the outline of his majestic form. The first time that I ventured to send forth a volume to the world, I set upon the dedication page the name of my father. He has been dead many years. You still linger behind, and long may you linger. Long may those fresh memories which give such a charm to your daily life continue to cheer you and instruct those who have the privilege of living with you. They have seen life imperfectly who have not seen what a charm it wears when the heart that has beat so long still lends its genial warmth to the still inquiring mind. REVERENTIALLY AND AFFECTIONATELY YOUR SON, GEORGE W. GREENE.