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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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The licasons Wliy

Rhode Island

DRCLAUliD lll^li INDEPENDIiNCE

of

Great Britain

May 4, 1 776

By James IS. Arnold

78 ?337

I

rim !>ecliiration oi" Independence of lihode Island, May 4, I77(>. S()nu> Reasons for the Act ^

HE period of a revolutionary struggle against the governing powers is always a period of discord and disorder. The laws are held more or less in contempt and the officers, from the King down, are treated with disrespect if not with open defiance. This is true the world over and never has there heen an exception thereto. Revolution- ists or Reformers have also been very careless about their laws and regulations. The law of action was to make such a rule as the time seemed to demand and to change at will or as necessity demanded. The more wild, savage or primitive the people were, the more arbitrary were the rules of the hour.

We think when all the evidence is in, when the facts and reasons therefor are duly and impartially considered and weighed, and considering the great importance of the outcome thereof, that the American Revolution was the freest from disastrous dissentions, tunrults and wild ex- cesses of any struggle in modern times. The people on the whole seemed to know and to thoroughly understand what they wanted, what was needed, and, it can be safely added, what they were determined to have and enjoy.

After the struggle was over there came upon the people the great thought and question, ''How can we pro- tect ourselves against ourselves?" Conferences were held,

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the questions debated and conclusions reached in a general Constitution which is a model of statecraft when viewed from the times and experiences of that period in history.

The various Colonial Charters were very diverse in their powers and duties. Some were very conservative. The most radical was the one for Rhode Island.

This particular Charter was the germ of the future independence of all the English Colonies. When it is read carefully it is surprising that such a radical paper was ever suffered to be pronmlgated by the hand of Royalty.

It was the liberal reading and interpreting of this instrument as well as its daily a])plications to the affairs of the Colony that led up to the conduct of our people at the beginning of the Revolution. Some of these drifts of opinion it is our intention now to discuss and elucidate in this paper.

It has always been a delicate question, that of Taxa- tion. To protect one's possessions has caused all the wars that have ever visited earth. The Roman and Grecian Empires through their annals give us the most minute and exact conduct in national affairs of all the earlier nations since the time such records have been kept by man. The Roman IvCgion went forth to battle against another people and no respect was shown property. It was nothing but a great steal. These stolen goods were brought to Rome and exhibited in a great Trium])li. This great Triumph inflamed the savage nature of the people to combine together for another raid as soon as the proceeds of the last one had been disposed of. This made the Roman people in plain unvarnished English a nation of robbers and thieves. The Priest urged the whole thing on; more, encouraged it for the selfish reason that it brought wealth to his hand and did not expose himself to peril. He it was who assured the people that the Gods looked favorably upon and blessed such proceedings.

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What was true of the priesthood of Rome was true also of the other uatious.

It was a work of ceuturies for the people to learu how to collect a just tax ; iu fact the lessou is yet learu- in^, but the people of some uatious to-day have so far learut how to collect tax without bloodshed.

Riglit here couies iu the fact tliat the Auiericau Colouies have uiatured aud have exhibited the fairest system of taxatiou of auy people of uioderu tiuies. It cau be safely claiuied that this uatiou has collected the uiost colossal sum iu taxes of uioderu times with the least bloodshed.

Taxatiou therefore beiu^ a very delicate subject en- tered largely iuto the question of tlie Revolution. Indeed the war-cry was " No Taxes without Representation." One of the charges in the National Declaration was " For imposing Taxes on us without our consent.''

It can be safely concluded that had the British Government consented to have the Colonies fittingly represented in the Parliament that the separation would not have taken place at that time.

Another charge iu the National Declaration is " For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world." This worked more seriously in our Colony than any of the others. Our Charter gave us the right to make war against the enemies of England and to provide for our naval aud military defense. It gave us the rights of the sea.

Now it is a well known historical fact that the British Government depended almost exclusively on the revenue from the various imports to defray her Naval Armament. Ilence it naturally follows, giving these rights to our Colony in the Charter, it was most naturally interpreted, if the power to arm aud defend both on land and sea was given, the right to provide for its maintenance

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R. I. DECLARATION OF INDRPRNDKNCK

followed. Therefore following English precedent strictly the Revenue Laws that were imposed by the General Assembly were to provide means to defray the cost of such an armament. As the Charter gave them the sole right to lay taxes and they had done so for a long term of years and the Home (iovernment had raised no objection it was conceded that the right so long used and enjoyed had been accepted and a])proved by that government and was un- questioned.

From the first settlements on the North American Continent to the time of the Revolution there had been a fierce rivalry between the three nations of Europe for possession, viz. : England, France, and Spain. luigland was a nation of heretics. The papacy was far more friendly towards France and Spain which had so far been more obedient to its wishes. The papal influence was exerted to have one devote its energies to the South, the other at the North, there to build up and fortify for future protection. Again it was determined that these two nations should have a chain of forts and a line of communication with each other, that the natives should be flattered and placated. This duty fell to France. Hence her policy so reverse from that of Spain. France had done her work well. The English Colonies were sur- rounded. The screws being puslied by France too sharp to be agreeable led to the " Old FVencli War," so called, which destroyed the glory of F'rance in North America. The war entailed a heavy war expense upon the home powers. England was so nmch embarrassed that she had to raise more revenue and could not with safety lay it upon her people alone. It was held that the colonies had been protected at great cost and therefore should assume a part of the cost. The Colonies claimed that the war had been started without their consent and approbation. That they had been put to great and needless expense and that

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in future the natives had been so tampered with that it was needful tliat a great expense woukl be upon them annually to protect their frontier. At the same time they aoreed if they could be represented in Parliament they would consider the proposition of Taxation.

The English Government here made a mistake ; they should have had the colonies represented and setting such an example for her other colonies she would to-day in all probability be the most powerful nation on the globe. To be fair to the home government we must concede that they had good and solid reasons why they did not grant representation. They had the example of Spain before them and they had learned that the Spanish nobility were recuperating their fortunes by exploiting the western colonies, and now their own nobility wanted to do the same here. The National Declaration charges, " He has erected a nuiltitude of new ofhces and sent hither swarms of ofTicers to harrow our people and eat out our substance. "

All this proves only selfishness and regard only for the rights of the very few.

The charges relating to aiding these officers are given in these words :

" He has kept among us in times of peace standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

" He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power.

" For quartering large bodies of troops among us.

" For protecting them by a mock trial from punish- ment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states.

" He has abdicated government here by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, deso- lation and tyranny already begun with circumstances of

8a R. I. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbar- ous ages and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

*' He has excited domestic insurrection among us and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions."

The above refers to the military arm. It is now in order to recite the naval contingent :

''For cutting off our trade with all ports of the world.

''For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pre- tended offences.

"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns and destroyed the lives of our people.

"He has constrained our fellow citizens taken cap- tive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands."

The laws and the rights of the General Assemblies are also alluded in these charges :

"He has refused his assent to laws the most whole- some and necessary for the public good.

"He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance unk^ss suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained and when so suspended he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

"He has refused to pass other laws for the accommo- dation of large districts of people unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the Legis- lature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to ty- rants only.

"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable and distant from the depository

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of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing theui into compliance with his measures.

' ' He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

"He has refused for a long time after such dissolu- tions to cause others to be elected whereby the legislative powers incapable of annihilation have returned to the peo- ple at large for their exercise, the State remaining in the meantime exposed to all the danger of invasion from with- out and convulsions within.

"He has obstructed the administration of justice by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary pow- ers.

"He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their ofiiccs and the amount and payment of their salaries.

"He has combined with others to subject us to a ju- risdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation.

"For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of trial by jury.

"For abolishing the fee system of English laws in a neighboring province establishing tlierein an arl)itrary government and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies.

"For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our government. -

"For suspending our own legislatures and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."

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So far as these charges refer to military and naval affairs and trade rej^nlations examples can be fonnd in onr annals. The Gaspee opened the eyes of the home gov- ernment as to the great latitnde that had been given to this colony. It was the great reason why after the war opened snch particnlar attention was paid to this colony. No one of the colonies was left in snch a bankrnpted con- dition. Perhaps it was this more than severe chastise- ment that ner\'ed the people to resist with snch a dogged determination. It is a very significant fact that in all the actions at arms thronghont the War for Independence nowhere can it be fonnd where a body of Rhode Island soldiers or sailors faltered or wavered in the ranks. This can be said after pointing out the fact that some of tlie most determined and bloody resistance to the lUitish arms were made by the soldiers and sailors from our colony.

While much can be claimed for our soldiers and great fame for our military commanders, still it is to our sailors that we nmst give the greatest praise of the two. It can be claimed wdth every show of reason and plausi- bility that, had it not been for our naval knowledge and the aid which the navy afforded the army, the war would not have lasted more than two or three campaigns.

The reason for this is not far to seek. The home government's policy was to keep the colonies dependent, and not allow them to acquire the means to defend tlu-ui- selves. Kven the great Sir William I'itt said: ''They must not be allowed to manufacture even a nail. " Not- withstanding this the colony was doing something in these lines. They were manufacturing only what was absolutely needed. So strong was the feeling of the Eng- lish merchants that the government was made to protest against it and often was the protest successful. The pe- riod of the French War had made the necessity so great that many took the risk in this way, paving the way for

R. I. DRCI.ARATION OF INDKPENDKNCR

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a market of patriotism for the war about to come. All these needful accessories were not sufficient to meet the needs of a j^^reat war, nor were these so placed as to ac- commodate quickly all these colonies.

The privateer here played a great part in capturing and successfully bringing to port the valuable cargoes of military supplies designed for the I^ritish Army and Navy quartered in our principal ports. So im])ortant a part was played that military campaigns were planned and ex- ecuted after receiving these neetled supplies from a suc- cessful capture.

You are familiar with that great capture of clothing, some 12,000 suits in all, effected by one of our privateers, the name of which does not occur to me now. The first naval expedition of the war — that of Plopkins to New Providence — with the successful capture of military stores, is too well known to be more than stated. The many expeditions to the West Indies were for the express pur- pose of capturing arms and military goods. So were the expeditions to places where the enemy would not be sus- pected as open to an attack. All these captures prolonged the struggle and so much weakened the enemy who had to furnish his own establishment besides.

A word or two now is in order respecting the sailor from our colony.

First, there is a something about the occupation of a sailor that calls forth all the elements of character that point to self-reliance. In nine out of ten cases on land let peril endanger life and the victim will play the cow- ard and call upon God or his fellow-man to come to his aid and often blame some one for the trouble before him. L,et perils beset a sailor at sea and the proportion is re- versed. He knows only self and will work like a hero for his own and others safety.

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In action at sea the same spirit is shown and the fight is fought out with more fierce determination tlian if on land. It is said the saik)r is more reckless. Be that as it may, the sea side nation against an inland one is more liable to ])e the master. So far as history gives us examples it is the maritime nations that have held the balance of the world's power.

Our colony early took to the sea. Having one of the fmest l)ays and harl)ors on the North Atlantic coast, they had a good fouuikation upon which to build up a hardy people. With the growth of sea power grew \\\^ a spirit of boat l)uilding. In this art they were original. The privateers and ])irates of the sea called for vessels of a peculiar build. Into this question the question of profit and speed and safety entered largely.

Most of the l)uilders decided for profit and for defence. The Narragansett l)uilder departed radically to o1)tain speed and provided defence by having fewer guns l)ut of longer range. It took other l)uilders a long time to see the cause of success. It was called luck and many ])e- lieved it. It was really good judgment in providing speed and handling their vessel. These two qualities told. The dangers of the sea had made them familiar with dan- ger. The sea being infested with pirates afforded oj)])()r- tunities to become familiar with warfare. Thus it will be seen that long familiarity with the sea and its dangers had bred a nation of hardy sons who were fully competent and able to defend themselves against any and all odds.

Realizing the perils of the sea bred a spirit of inde- pendence. The liberal inter})retation of their Ro)\al Charter had settled the conviction in their minds that there was but one power on earth that could tax them and that power was their own. There was one power be- fore whom all crimes they might commit could l)e tried and that power was their own.

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13a

These notions had been fostered by the action of the home government. Perhaps had they been a hirger or a more prominent Colony the case might have been sooner looked into. It was not even snrniised, nntil the siege of Lonisbnrg brought out the fact that the naval contin- gent from Rhode Island by blockading the port and driv- ing off the supply ships compelled the surrender of the Gibraltar of America.

The little Colony had become famous and the home government thought it prudent to look the matter up.

At the end of the French War, and after it had been determined that the American Colonies should be taxed, it dawned upon the home government that this Colony was the most defiant of all. Accordingly, they were looked after more carefully. The revenue was enquired into. It was then that the discovery was made that the Royal Charter had given them independence, except a tacit acknowledgment of the Knglish Hag.

Now to the (piestion, and the answer to the charge, that this Colony was nothing but a Colony of smugglers if not pirates, it can be said that these men were within their rights. As their Charter had not been taken from them they had the royal protection and the supreme law of the Kingdom on their side.

The charge was first started by those Knglish offi- cials who assumed that the Charter was in harmony with those of the other Colonies. That it differed radically from all the others was made clear in the Gaspee Com- mission, who saw that, even if they had found the guilty parties, they could not be transported to be tried for the offence but must be tried where the crime was committed. This principle of law is the universal American rule of to-day in all parts of our nation.

This is a very interesting fact and worthy to be re- meiiil)ered.

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I tiust I may be pardoned here by quoting from the Royal Charter the following passage :

After stating that the Governor or in his absence the Deputy (xovernor and six or the major part of the As- sistants shall have the power to conunission and direct, the Charter distinctly says :

''To assend^le, exercise in arms, martial array, and put in warlike posture the inhabitants of the said Colony, for their special defence and safety ; and to lead and con- duct the said inhalntants, and to encounter, expulse, ex- pel and resist by force of arms, as well by sea as by land, and also to kill, slay and destroy by all fitting ways, en- terprise and means, whatsoever, all and every such person or persons as shall at any time hereafter attempt or enter- prise the destruction, invasion, detriment, or annoyance of the said inhabitants or I'kintations, and to use and ex- ercise the law martial in such cases only as occasion shall necessarily recpiire and to take or surprise by all ways and means whatsoever all and every such person and persons with their ship or ships, armour, amnuuiition or other goods of such persons as shall in hostile manner invade or attempt the defeating of the said Plantations or the hurt of the said Com})any."

The words following give right to defend against the natives or Indian Tribes. So it can be safely claimed that the above quoted passage is referring to any Euro- pean nation at the time attacked the enemy of England or themselves and to nothing else.

The next point to make and to prove is that this was so understood by these two contracting parties.

In the summer of 1690 a French fleet ravaged our coast, captured Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Block Island, where they committed excesses. The coast was alarmed and now comes a real fight. Capt. Thomas Paine sailed out from Newport with two sloops and 90 men.

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Capt. John Godfrey was Paine 's second. The French force was 200 men, nnder command of one Pekar. The bloody action that ensned resnUed in Pekar losing half his men, while Paine lost one killed and six wonnded. The next day the French abandoned the Island and put to sea, where the Captain followed them and did j^reat damage, compelling them to sink a valuable prize they had taken to prevent capture. [See Arnold's History of R. I., Vol. 1, page 523-5.] This is the first naval en- gagement between an English Colony and an Kuropean nation. This was a very creditable affair. Capt. Paine's position was never questioned but was very strongly com- mended. This proves he was and did act strictly under the powers granted in the Charter and, as I have already remarked and as the public annals will clearly show, the General Assembly laid revenue taxes in order to procure the means to arm and provide a naval defence, and were beyond question clearly within their rights.

I spoke of the various charges made in the National Declaration respecting the interference with the Legisla- tures and the laws of the Colonies. It will be seen at once that all such interference was quickly noticed here and the effects or results carefidly considered. The great concern was that while such interference in many of the other Colonies was within the rights of the home govern- ment as such powers had been reserved, but here it had been granted without a reservation ; hence our colony was noting if it would not Ije their turn next. I am in- clined to think it was the smallness of our domain in area that really preserved it from interference, but the time came at length. The sloop Liberty gave a pointer, and other events following swiftly. After that the Colony at once became a camp armed for the fray. The Charter was stiulied closely and was interpreted that we were really independent of Kngland, although we acknowl-

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edged a semi-protecting or allied power in the govern- ment at London.

Having this well reasoned and well thought out, see- ing the dangers that were surely gathering around them, knowing from experience that war was surely before them, foreseeing that the struggle would call forth the utmost skill of the sailor, in order the better to define their position it was decided that the only proper and hon- est course to pursue was to publicly declare their entire independence of the mother country.

This might look at first as a daring and reckless move. It was really the proper diplomatic tiling to do. They could lay their Charter before any European nation and point out their War power that had been granted them and which tliey had fully and freely used for more than a century without question. It could not be denied tliat this Colony, even if the others were not, was strictly with- in their rights and they had Royal authority for their line of conduct. ;

That this declaration of May 4, 1776, had a hasten- ing influence upon the Congress assembled at Philadel- phia I think will be conceded. As I have just remarked it was a bold dijilomatic move. That it was so seen at Philadelphia I think nmst be conceded because they did not condenm it but hastened to make a more formidable accusation. They at once grouped together that list of charges, most of which we have quoted in our paper. In this paper they resolved to follow our Colony, "nui- tually pledging to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. ' '

The year before the promulgation of this Declara- tion by Congress had come another movement from our General Assend)ly and that was to create a naval arm of defence. It was of primal imi)ortance that the coast should be guarded and the enemy harrassed at every

R. I. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDKNCE 17a

fitting or proper opportunity that was offered. In this great struggle before them the knowledge of the coast was of the greatest importance. This knowledge was a basis for strategic movements against the enemy. The

for independence proves that these basis w^ere well studied and made use of during the entire period of this momentous and historic struggle.

Our Assembly were fully persuaded that no time should be lost in preparation for this imperative need of defence by sea. Therefore it was seen and it was accord- ingly enacted at the August Session (Aug. 21-26,) 1775, that the creation of a Continental Navy was imperative in order to provide a proper protection to our coast from the invasions of the enemy. Their representative, Da- vid Howell, introduced the act at the October Session of Congress on the 3rd day of the month. It was favorably looked upon, put in proper shape, and Nov. 5 passed. This Act appointed Capt. Ksek Hopkins Commander-in- Chief and gave him power to organize his fleet. Two of the 13 sliips-of-the-line were assigned to be built in our State. These two, the Warren, 32, and Providence, 28, were launched May 15 and 18 following and were the first two Continental frigates to float on the sea carrying the Continental flag. . ..

This May, 1776, was indeed an epoch in the his- toric annals of our Colony. The Declaration was one of the most daring acts of the times and paved the way for the national one of the July following. This was influ- enced much by the fact that our Colony had taken means to provide for a defence by sea and had placed already on the water the first two Continental frigates. How greatly this fact weighed upon the members of that Congress is unknown but it could not fail of making a very decided impression. It nnist indeed have been a surprise to those members when Mr. Howell explained our Charter and

R. I. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCK

what the Charter had guaranteed to his people. That an English Colony could have had, and had so long lived under, such Constitutional paper, why could not they be also as well favored ? It appears clear to nie when once these facts had become public property the national Dec- laration could not be far distant.

The national Declaration was now history. The Colo- nies were in arms. The English government saw that they were in danger and that unless means were taken to stop the dissatisfaction they would eventually lose theni. It was thought best to take up a strategic point somewhere midway ; hence New York was taken on ac- count of its great harbor and a country surrounding where provisions could be had in abundance. With Halifax on the north for a naval base, and New York south for an- other, New England, being the hot-bed of the dissatisfac- tion, could soon be conquered and the Colonies forced again into peace by force of arms.

There was one exception made in this plan and that was that Rhode Island nnist have si)ecial attention. This Colony, for exposing her Charter and in proclainnng pub- licly an independence they had always enjoyed, nuist Ije severely punished. Her political doctrines nuist not be allowed to spread and her sailors and sea power nmst be held in check. This cost the Government a great sum in the end and shows that the smallest colony of the lot was so dangerous that it required a very respectable por- tion of her army and navy to hold it. This army and navy did its work well. They left our capital city in a ruinous condition after holding it from Dec. 9, 1776, un- til Oct. 25, 1779- The enemy had become satisfied they had most effectually destroyed the sea power of the Col- ony. It is a fact of history that no one of the Colonies was so severely handled and none had made greater efforts of resistance. The question from the first was Liberty

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and Independence on one hand or a Colonial slave to a favored nobleman of England on the other.

To the credit of the Colony be it written she stood by her colors. She fought the good fight to the end. She made no overtures for peace. Her officers were true to their people. The ranks were always firm and unbroken. The courage of the Colony was tried as with fire. The struggle separated the dross and left behind a band of men equal to that of the ancient Greeks, who fought the battle of Thermopylce .

It is becoming a popular custom to-day to have an " Old Home Week." It is well and I think adds a val- ued feature to an educational system. It is well to set aside a time to review the lessons of the past and to gather new wisdom for our future guidance. No one feature of this lesson is more important than to study out the cost, the peril and the work taken to accomplish it. The greater these, the more carefully should these prin- ciples be respected, guarded and revered. Liberty of soul, mind and body, free from Priest or King, is indeed something beyond all price. It is gratifying to know that our revered ancestors were men that have paid the price but it will be more gratifying to realize that their living descendants are fully determined to preserve, pro- tect and defend it, and are able to pass it on to their suc- cessors who have been taught ably how also to protect and defend it.

A day like this, May 4, deserves the honor that we pay to it. It is well to publicly recognize the most glori- ous deed ever done by a (general Assembly. These men were indeed Freedom's sons. Their names should be placed in bronze and exposed within one of tht-. alcoves of our State Capitol. It is their just due. If my health and energies hold out I intend to make a trial to obtain this honor for them.

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The spirit of liberty is like a burning fire. It means constant action. The spirit dies as fast as the people sleep or become indifferent. She gives every one of her children to distinctly understand she wishes only the bold and fearless, only the soldier that remains loyal and true.

Indeed it can be said in the words of the poet, apply- ing her similitudes to his words :

"Every fire that fronts the Sun And every star that walks alone Around the utmost verge of heaven Were kindled at thy burning throne." (

Note— This paper was read before the Wickford Historical and Improvement Association May 4, 11)07, in the Guild Hall. The meet- ing was presided over by Dr. Harold Metcalf. After the reading of the paper an informal discussion was had between the speaker, the Doctor, and Rev. F. B. Cole. It was finally concluded to invite Mr. Arnold to read another paper during the coming fall or winter upon some interesting historical subject, the title to be announced later.

The Arnold F^^m^ly Smithfreld

rhe Arnold Fan^ily of Smitl^field

T can be truly claimed that the family of Arnold is not only a historic family in New England but world wide historic as well so far as European influence has extended the history of the human races.

Henry II of England, called the great Lawgiver," took a great interest in genealogy. Ethelrcd of Rievaux, the great authority of the age, dedicated his great work, ^'Genealogic Regum," to the king. He traced his pedi- gree back to Adam without referring to his Angevin father or Norman grandfather. This pedigree line in an- other form is one of the rich manuscript treasures of the crown of England today. Without venturing to dispute or prove its authenticity to Adam the line can be well proven back to one of the so called " Twelve Immortals " which name I think the poet Virgil gives to the twelve patrician families of Rome. This one was known as Arno. What is still singular, the name has remained from that far back period in history until now without change save in the terminal letters. During the age of heraldry for deeds done the public service I have seen drawings of more than 200 arms. To one versed in the reading of these emblems a history of the family could be written .

A branch of the family became settled on the border of Wales and England where it built up a strong follow- ing. From here, Abergaveny, came two of the family to New England. It will thus be seen that so far as family

ARNOLD FAMILY OF SMITH FIKLD

history goes no New England one can point to a more aristocratic origin.

William and his younger and half-brother left Ports- mouth May I and arrived at Boston June 24 in the year 1635. He had tlie forethought to take the date of birth and baptism of his father's family. The first addition to this paper was the date of the emigration; the next was this item: "Memorandum — We came to Providence to dwell April 20, 1636,"

This is the earliest date where the word Providence can be found. The first official using of the word is at the head of the Report of the Arbitrators, 27 of 5 mo., 1640.

That William Arnold and his brother Thomas were the wealthiest men of the Colony goes without saying. Thomas owned at the time of his death in September, 1674, near 10,000 acres of land. His brother William and two sons Benedict and Stephen could own nearly as much. They paid the heaviest tax in the Colony.

William Arnold has been very much misunderstood. Williams has given him a bad name. Mr. Williauis was like our modern Teddy in some ways in giving character- istics to those who did not agree with him. In order to settle the general belief that Arnold was a bad man I in- tend to publish his letters to Massachusetts and the deeds he recorded there. Mr. Williams' letters have been pub- lished. It is now no more than right that the other should be also.

Thomas Arnold does not appear to have aroused Mr. Williams' ire so much as did his brother William or his nephew Benedict. Perhaps this was because Thomas would not quarrel with him. His son Richard appears to have been a man of influence as he was a member of Gov. Andros' Executive Council which made him prac- tically acting Governor of the State for three years.

ARNOLD FAMIl^Y OF SMITIIFIELD

It is well to remember here that the setting up of the Royal Charter was a critical thing to do; that it was set up successfully and gave satisfaction longer than any other Charter to an English Colony on the Atlantic coast. During the temporary suspensions under Andros the Act- ing Governor here showed a cool and level head and great executive power and ability. With honor he returned the trust he had received.

This was a critical period of our history and the wonder has been mine why our Colony was not rubbed out. It can safely be said it was owing to having an able executive in the chair of state.

It is well to pay a visit to a place where such a man has lived and died. It is well to familiarize oneself with the historic facts that cluster liere. Such spots as these are land marks, sacred arms and symbols that mark the steps of human progression. Interesting it is to note where the history of one race ends and another starts.

Canonchet, the chieftain around whose head his ene- mies have wreathed a crown ; the chief that died look- ing his enemy firmly in the face, whose last act was an act of mercy for his people ! This spot was familiar to him in life — its beauties appealed to him as it did to the race that succeeded him.

From this vicinity sprang the influences that influenced the English town of Smithfield. The first President of the first Town Council was born here — a man honored and respected through a long and eventful life. Not far from here the first Council and Town Meeting was held. To John Arnold belongs the honor of setting up with his associates the town government of Smithfield.

Jonathan Arnold, the author of the Rhode Island Declaration of Independence of May 4, 1776, was born here. Welcome Arnold, the great Providence merchant, was a native of this place. Aza Arnold, the inventor,

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ARNOT.D FAMIT.Y OF SMITIIFIKI.D

was born near here, a man said to be the greatest genius of his age. His sons also inherited his gifts and both se- cured a fortune from the fruits of their brain. Thomas Arnold, the Friend lawyer, and Secretary of the first Peace Society of the State, was born near here. James Arnold, the Friend merchant of New Bedford, was also born near this place. Tliis man left a fortune of ^500,000 for a natural history garden to Harvard. Brown could have had it had they not gone to sleep and let the prize pass their doors.

I wish the Friend had only taken the usual Arnold trait and worked independently and blaz.ed out a path for himself. Had he only purchased this whole woodland wild, clear to the roads, and then carried out Friend Smith's ideas for a park — with that added, this town would have had one of the finest and most beautiful places in New England. With his perpetual care fund he could have well afforded to smile with his native town as its guardian. This would have been a truly Arnold trait. How much do I regret this idea did not come to him !

Speaking of this park idea I have heard it intimated that if this place would be so declared, an idle and disso- lute crowd would gather here Sundays and loaf here sum- mers and would make a nuisance of the place and vicin- ity. This is all idle talk. Our parks can be made just as safe as the roads and other public places. Order and law can be had in one place as well as in another. If the people say it shall be it will be.

I want now to speak of a matter that has been once tried here by the Arnolds but now has been forgotten ; yet it should be again tried and I feel if done so it would revolutionize the farming interest of the State. It is a well attested historical fact that Smithfield in the days of the farmer's ascendency was one of the most flourishing agricultural towns of the State, South Kingstown being its only successful rival.

ARNOLD FAMILY OF SMITHFIKLD

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In early colonial days the ground was not enriched for crops but later when the natural richness failed a top dressing had to be used. Sniithfield was the first town to use a top dressing and whether she or Cumberland was first to irrigate I am not positive, but it lies between them.

Where did the top dressing come from ? One only has to roam about here to observe that in this vicinity on nearly every old manor farm there are ruins of lime kilns where rock was burnt and lime produced. From the crude way of burning a large residue was left. This dressed the fields.

Today it has been demonstrated that lime rock ground fine and then scattered broadcast makes one of the finest top dressings we have. What is needed on every farm here is a small crusher and in winter or in the dull season crush up the loose stones aud scatter them over the fields. When the Arnolds tried to teach this idea they were thought crazy. Today it is found these men were born generations before their time. The proof can be had right here about us. Go up here into these woods and find a little clear space. What makes the grass so very green and vigorous ? Is it not from the fertilization it gets? Where do they get it from — is it not from the rocks about ? These little spots are noted for their great fertility. Nature has here hinted to man what can be done. A poor farm need never be known where its life is at hand as it is here.

In this connection here conies in a fact worthy of no- tice. The large bleaching establishments on this stream have earned a wide world reputation for the excellence of their finished goods. Before this plant was established the Arnolds had a small plant above where the modern plant now stands. It is said they turned out a superior line of finished goods, so nnich as to be generally noticed

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ARNOLD FAMILY OF SMITIIFIKLD

and remarked upon. Bleacliing requires lime and the kindred chemicals with plenty of water. This water flowing over and moistening the lime rocks it certainly would act up(m the water. It is not too much to claim that this is the secret of the success of this bleaching es- tablishment.

Another fact not so well known is that the Lonsdale Company's bleachery and dye works are not on the Black- stone River but on a small stream whose waters flow over and moisten these lime rocks. They use the Blackstone water however in other Hues of finishing. The Lonsdale Company's products are noted as a standard line of goods.

Here is one field where the Arnold family tried to teach a new agriculture. They were teachers in other fields. Several of them were noted surveyors. Mathe- matics seem to be their forte and their delight to teach. The law they took kindly to, so nnicli that Pt-leg and Thomas Arnold were Chief Justices of the State, a score and better of Justices of the County Court. It was rare when old Smith field had not an Arnold Justice of the Peace. The old Smithfield Town Council from 1732 to the time of the division of the town in March, 1871, never was without a mend^er that had not Arnold ])lood in his veins and oftc-n more than one member. There was no one family in the town that was more honored by public confidence than this.

There is no need to speak of the family outside of this town. Warwick could tell a similar story to Smithfield. In some lesser degree Providence, North Providence, Cumber- land, Scituate and Glocester can add their testimony to what has already been said. Of the great six and most influen- tial or wealthy families who led the public thought here in the State during the War for Indepentlence Arnold can most certainly be set down as one. One family produced 13 soldiers — that of Caleb Arnold of Glocester. The

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SOU of Joseph and Caleb, by the way, was born here. So far as niy knowledge goes I know of no other family in the State that has exceeded this number of soldiers.

Doctors were numerous in the family and several were very noted in their line. Smitlifield has never been without. one or more of them.

I think from the record they have nuide in old Smith- field they can be justly styled truly an historic family. I do not mean by this from the accident of birth alone but from a truly democratic republican modern way of viewing the matter. Sanuiel Greene Arnold, the historian of the State, came from this family. I think his father was born near this place. Other members of the family have pro- duced very meritorious works in more than one field of lit- erary endeavor.

Viewing the family from one generation to another they have kept up the standard so that each one has had members that wrote their names high in the annals of both St.'ite and Town. This is in my mind a fair test for a historic standard of a family, a standard that has been mentioned from father to son for nearly 300 years.

The lesson to be learned from all this is to treasure, remember and enuilate all the good deeds and attributes of our own sainted ancestors ; keep to their standard of excellence ; try to excel it if you can. It is well to feel and have a pride in yourself and family. A right living and conduct in life will hallow this and blossom the di- vine nature into a perfect flower, worthy the work of the Master Divine.

Note— Read before the Rhode Island Citizens Historical Associ- ation June 8, 1907, at a meeting held in the Smithfield Lower Meet- ing House of Friends in Lincoln.

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THE RHODE ISLAND DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE

* THE ARNOLD EANILY OE 5NITHEIELD, RHODE ISLAND

' JANES N. ARNOLD

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