I.--Immediately after the struggle between
the natives and some of the New England settlers, known as "King
Philip's war," it became necessary to dispose of certain Indian
captives then in Providence. The method adopted was common in that
day, but to us remarkable, as also the names of those who figured
prominently therein. Only think of ROGER WILLIAMS sharing in the
proceeds of a slave sale. The following is from the "Annals of
Providence."
"A town meeting was held before Thomas Field's house, under a tree,
by the water side, on the 14th of August, 1676. A committee was
appointed to determine in what manner the Indians should be
disposed of. They reported as follows:
"Inhabitants wanting, can have Indians at the price they sell at
the Island of Rhode Island or elsewhere. All under five, to serve
till thirty; above five and under ten, till twenty-eight; above ten
to fifteen, till twenty-seven; above fifteen to twenty, till
twenty-six; from twenty to thirty, shall serve eight years; all
above thirty, seven years.
"We whose names are underwritten, being chosen by the town to see
the disposal of the Indians now in town, we agree that Roger
Williams, N.
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