Memoir of Roger Williams, the Founder of the State of Rhode-IslandKnowles, James D. (James Davis)
History
Memoir of Roger Williams, the Founder of the State of Rhode-Island
Knowles, James D. (James Davis)
Rhode Island -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775; Williams, Roger, 1604?-1683
This grant of one hundred pounds was voted, but for some reason, Mr.
Williams never received it all.[259] It was, undoubtedly, a very
inadequate compensation for his toils and expenses, in procuring the
charter.
The following very characteristic letter belongs here. The seal is a
rude representation of a tulip, or other flower, the impression sunk,
and not raised:
“For his worshipful, and his much honored, kind friend, Mr. John
Winthrop, at Nameaug, these.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 28, 3, 47, (so called.)_
“Worthy Sir,
“Loving respects and salutations to your kind self and your kindest
companion. Some while since, you desired a word of direction about
the hay seed. I desired my brother to collect his own and other
neighbors’ observations about it, which (with his respects
presented) amounts to this.
“First, usually three bushels seed to one acre land.
“2. It hath been known to spread, to mat, &c. the Indian hills being
only scraped or levelled.
“3. This may be done at any time of the year, but the sooner the
better.
“4. It is best to sow it upon a rain preceding.
“5. Some say let the ripe grass stand until it seed, and the wind
disperse it (susque deque) up and down, for it is of that thriving
and homogeneal nature with the earth, that the very dung of cattle
that feeds on it will produce the grain.
“6. The offs, which can hardly be severed from the seed, hath the
same productive faculty.
“7. Sow it not in an orchard, near fruit trees, for it will steal,
and rob the trees, &c.
“Sir: Concerning Indian affairs, reports are various; lies are
frequent. Private interests, both with Indians and English, are
many; yet these things you may and must do. First, kiss truth where
you evidently, upon your soul, see it. 2. Advance justice, though
upon a child’s eyes. 3. Seek and make peace, if possible, with all
men. 4. Secure your own life from a revengeful, malicious arrow or
hatchet. I have been in danger of them, and delivered yet from them;
blessed be his holy name, in whom I desire to be
“Your worship’s, in all unfeigned
“respects and love,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.”
The following letter relates, probably, to the collection of the wampum
to be paid to the commissioners, by the Narragansets, in accordance with
the treaty.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 20, 6, 47, (so called.)_
“Sir,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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