was about to embark for America they gave him a letter of recommendation to the governor and assistants of Massachusetts, in which they represented the merits of Mr. Williams, and advised to the performance of all friendly offices toward him. This letter had the effect to ameliorate the differences which had subsisted between Mr. Williams and the Massachusetts colony; and there was afterwards a profession of christian love and mutual correspondence between them. Yet while Mr. Williams retained what were deemed dangerous principles, the governor and assistants of Massachusetts thought it inexpedient to grant him liberty of ingress and egress, lest the people should be drawn away with his erroneous opinions.

When, in 1643, the dangers and necessities of the New England colonies induced them to think of forming a confederacy for their mutual support and defence, Providence and Rhode Island plantations were desirous of uniting in the plan; but Massachusetts, disliking their religious sentiments, opposed their motion, and refused them a seat in the convention for forming the confederacy. Thus forsaken of their neighbours, they found it necessary to devise other means of safety. They accordingly cultivated the friendship of the neighbouring sachems with assiduity and success, and in a short time acquired such an influence with them as to procure from the Narraganset chiefs, in 1644, a formal surrender of their country to

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Restoration of Charles II.

king Charles I. in right of his crown, in consideration of his protection of them against their enemies. This territory was afterwards called the King's Province.

The people of these plantations, thus empowered to manage their own affairs, in the true spirit of democracy, convened an assembly in May, 1647, composed of the body of freemen, in the several plantations. Several salutary regulations were adopted. The executive power, by this assembly, was vested in a president. This form of gov. ernment, so agreeable to their inclinations and views, they did not long enjoy in tranquillity. It was suspended in October, 1652, by an order of the council of state for the Commonwealth. The Parliament wished to acquire a participation, at least, in the administration of affairs, by establishing here those plans of reformation, which they attempted in Massachusetts, and which they actually effected in Virginia and Maryland. But Providence and Rhode Island, deriving the same advantages from the distractions which soon after ensued in England, that the colonies have always taken of the disorders of the sovereign state, resumed its form of government. And this it continued to enjoy without farther interruption, till the Restoration.

That event gave great satisfaction to these plantations. They immediately proclaimed Charles II. and not long after sent Mr. Clarke, as their

of whom they solicit and obtain a Charter. 171

agent, to the court of that monarch, to solicit for a patent, which was deemed in New England so essential to real jurisdiction; and in Sept. 1662, he obtained the object of his wishes. Yet, owing to the opposition of Connecticut, the present charter was not finally passed till July, 1663. The immigrations, beforementioned, from Massachusetts, and the subsequent settlements at Providence and Rhode Island, were recapitulated; "which being convenient for commerce," says the patent, "6 may much advance the trade of this realm, and greatly enlarge the territories thereof;" and being willing to encourage the undertaking of his subjects, and to secure to them the free enjoyment of their civil and religious rights, which belonged to them as Englishmen, he conferred on them ample liberty in religion, and special privileges with regard to jurisdiction. The patentees, and such as should be admitted free of the society, were incorporated by the name of "The governor and company of the English colony of Rhode Island and Providence." The supreme, or legislative power, was invested in an assembly; the constituent members were to consist of the governor, the assistants, and such of the freemen as should be chosen by the towns; but the governor, or deputy governor, and six assistants were to be always present. Thus constituted, the assembly was empowered to make ordinances, and forms of government and magistracy, for the rule of the

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Contents of the Charter.

lands and inhabitants; so that they should not be repugnant, but agreeable to the laws of England, considering the nature of the place and people; to erect such courts of justice for determining all acts within the colony, as they should think fit; to regulate the manner of elections to places of trust, and of freemen to the assembly; to impose lawful punishments, pecuniary and corporal, according to the course of other corporations within the realm; and to pardon such criminals, as they should think fit. That the inhabitants might be religiously and civilly governed, a governor, deputy governor, and ten assistants were appointed for the management of their affairs; and they were authorised to execute the ordinances beforementioned, which every one was commanded to obey.

The governor and company were enabled to transport such merchandize and persons, as were not prohibited by any statute of the kingdom; and

paying such customs as are, and ought to be paid for the same." They were empowered to exercise martial law, and upon just causes, to invade and destroy the native Indians and other enemies. There was granted to the governor and company, and their successors, that part of the dominions of the crown, in New England, containing the islands in Narraganset bay, and the countries and parts adjacent. To be holden of the manor of East Greenwich, in common soccage.” The inhabitants of those territories and their chil

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Catholics persecuted.

173:

dren, were declared fully intitled to the same immunities, as if they had resided, or had been born within the realm; and to guard against the experienced oppressions of Massachusetts, they were enabled to pass. and repass through any other English colonies, and to traffic with them. But with this proviso, that nothing should hinder any subjects whatsoever from fishing on the coasts of New England..

Such was the substance of the charter of Rhode Island, and such were the privileges conferred by it. The government of this Province was administered to the satisfaction of Charles II. during the remainder of his reign.. By the charter of this Province, "None were at any time thereafter to be molested, for any difference in matters of religion;" yet the first assembly that convened under this charter, in March, 1663, among a variety of other ordinances and laws, enacted one declarative of the privileges of his majesty's subjects; in which they say, "that all men of competent estates, and of civil conversation, Roman Catholics only excepted, shall be admitted freemen, or may choose, or be chosen, colonial officers." By this "By act, persecution of the Roman Catholics immedi. ately commenced, by depriving them of the rights of citizens, in violation of their charter privileges. This is a remarkable fact in the history of a people, who have been singular for their attachment to,