THOMA^:] RHODE island's POLICY TOWARD THE INDIANS 621 



The confirmation by Canonicus and Miantonomi, March 24, 1G37, is 

 as follows : 



At Nanhiggansick, tbe 2Uli of the first month, commonly called March, in y" sec- 

 onil yearo of our plantation or jilantiug at Jlooshansick or Providence. 



Memorandnm, that we Cannaunicus and Miantunomi, the two chief sachems of 

 Nauhiggansiclc, having two yeares since sold vnto Roger Williams, y" lands and 

 meadowes vpon the two fresh rivers, called Mooshausick and Wanas(iutucket, doe 

 now hy these presents, establish and confirme y= bounds of those lands, from y" 

 river and fields at Pautuckqut, y" great hill of Notquonckauet, on y'' northwest, and 

 the town of Maushapogue 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 Quinickicutt and 

 Apaum or Plymouth, we doe freely give unto him all that land from those rivers 

 reaching to Pawtuxet river; as also the grass and meadowes upon y said Pawtuxet 

 river.' 



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 he 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 iSTew 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 the 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 Canoni- 

 cus 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 per- 

 sons. 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 pur- 

 chase of land from the Indians in the colony, the following may be cited 

 as examples : 



Deed from Oiisameqttiii {Mnnsaiioit). HUH. 



This testifyeth, that I Ousamequin chiefe Sachem of Paukanawket. for and in 

 consideration of full satisfaction in wampum, cloth and other coiiniiodities received 

 at present; doe give, grant, sell and make ovi-r unto Roger Williams and Gregory 

 Dexter, inhahitants of Providence, together with all those inhabitants of Providence 

 that hath or shall joyne in this purchase, with all my right and interest of all that 

 parcell or tract of laud which lies betweene Pawtuokqut and Loqusquscit, with all 

 the meadowes, trees and appurtenances thereof, and after the . . . 



'Rhode Island Colonial Kecords, vol. i, p. 18. 



