OCR Text |
Show 70 THOMAS] RHODE ISLAND'S POLICY TOWARD THE INDIANS G21 The confirmation by Canonicus and Miantonomi, March 24, 1637, is as follows: At Nanhiggansick, the 21th of the first month, commonly called March, in y° second yeare of our plantation or planting at Mooshausick or Providence. Memorandum, that we Canuaunicus and Miantunomi, tho two chief sachems of Nanhiggansick, having two yeares since sold vnto Rogor Williams, y° lands anil meadowes vpon the two fresh rivers, called Mooshausick and Wauasqutiicket, doe now by these presents, establish and confirme y° bounds of those lands, from y6 river and fields at Pautuckqut, y6 great hill of Notquonckanet, on y8 northwest, aud the town of Maushapogne on y° west. As also, in consideration of the many kindnesses and services he hath continually done for us, both with our friends at Massachusetts, as also at Quiniekicutt and Apaum or Plymouth, we doe freely givo unto him all that land from those rivers reaching to Pawtuxet river; as also the grass and meadowes upon yc said Pawtuxet river.1 It was a fortunate circumstance for this feeble colony that Canonicus was chief sachem of the district when the wanderers reached it, and that his life was spared to old age. Truly did ho say, " I have never suffered any wrong to be offered to the English since they landed; nor never will." Winthrop and Williams recognized the fact that during the latter part of his life he kept the peace of New England. He alone of the several New England sachems seemed to comprehend the fact that a new age was coming in; that there was a power behind the few English settlers which would conquer in the end. Philip may have seen the danger which threatened his race, but had not the sagacity to adopt tho course best for his people. His chief object was revenge, and all his energies were bent to this end, regardless of the result, which a shrewder chief would have foreseen. In some respects Canonicus showed greater foresight than Williams. But it is unnecessary to extend these remarks, which have been made simply to emphasize the fact that the policy and peace of the colony was due to these two persons. It may be added here, however, that Williams' enthusiasm and confidence in his own integrity caused him to anticipate results that were not to be obtained, and made him, in his latter years, look upon the Indians with far less favor than when he first made his home among them. Subsequently to the first deed above mentioned, Williams purchased the principal part of the county of Providence. Of the deeds of purchase of land from the Indians in the colony, the following may be cited as examples: Deed from OiiHiimcqiiin (Massasoit). 1C1G. This testifyoth, that I Ousameqnin chiefo Sachoni of Paukauawket, for aud iu consideration of full satisfaction in wampum, cloth and other commodities received at present; doe give, grant, sell and mako over unto Rogor Williams aud Gregory Dexter, inhabitants of Provideuco, together with all those inhabitants of Providcnco that hath or shall joyno in this purchase, with all my right and interest of all that parcell or tract of laud which lies betweeno Tawtuckqut and Loqusquseit, with all the meadowes, trees and appurtonances thereof, and after the . . . 'Rhode Inland Colonial Records, vol. I, p. 18. |