Papers, 1629-1682.

ArchivalResource

Williams, Roger, 1604?-1683. Papers, 1629-1682.

Papers, 1629-1682.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/207180855

This collection consists of photostatic copies of Williams' letters and papers, which span the period 1629 to 1682. The folio volume contains over 122 pieces and was compiled by the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Historical Societies in 1924. The original papers are in the possession of those and other institutions, such as the John Carter Brown Library and the Massachusetts Archives. Two original letters, owned by the American Antiquarian Society, are included in this collection and were photostated for the volume. In addition to Williams' letters, the indexed volume of copies also contains affidavits, public notices, and deeds and wills witnessed by him. Many letters were addressed to notable colonial figures, especially Williams' friends, John Winthrop (1587/88-1649), Governor of Massachusetts, and John Winthrop, Jr. (1605/06-1676), Governor of Connecticut. Other recipients included William Coddington (1601-1678), John Endecott (c. 1589-1665), John Cotton (1609-1676), and Thomas Hinckley (1618?-1705). During his visit to England in 1652, Williams wrote several letters to a friend, Anne Sadleir ( - ) of Trinity College, Cambridge, England, concerning his theological opinions. His letters to the Winthrops include: descriptions of the extensive services performed by him during the Pequot War, especially details of his prevention of a league between the Pequots and Narragansets; political and religious developments in their respective colonies; Williams' defense of his theological views; news from England concerning Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), the Protectorate, and foreign affairs in Europe; details of the outbreak of King Philip's War; and personal commentaries concerning the Williams and Winthrop families. The earliest letters, written in Essex, England, concern the rejection of Williams' marriage proposals to Jane Whalley ( - ) by her aunt Lady Barrington. Letters addressed to several adversaries, such as Coddington, Endecott, and George Fox (1624-1691), the Quaker leader, contain Williams' philosophies on politics, theology, and Indian affairs. One lengthy letter, written on 22 July 1670, provides much insight into Williams' view of his original banishment in 1634, as well as autobiographical accounts of subsequent events. Another letter addressed to the people of Rhode Island in 1663, constitutes a list of reasons why they should continue to provide financial support to Dr. John Clarke (1609-1676), then in England, to secure a new charter. A second copy of the letter is contained in the collection's folder, as well as a facsimile of a 1677 letter in which Williams defends himself against charges brought by William Harris ( - ) concerning inaccurate Providence boundary lines. One of the two original letters was written to John Winthrop, Jr., and refers to Williams' negotiations with the Narraganset Indians around the outbreak of King Philip's War. The other original letter was written to the elder Winthrop concerning events of the Pequot War in 1637.

1 v. (294 leaves) ; folio.1 folder (4 items)

American Antiquarian Society