The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-05-07

ing AZ hncnoY. Inc nhrDOuf laS not peer
frozen up so as to prevent ships coming il
to safe anchorage since the year l74O, anc
the oldest inhabitants do not recollect Il
have heard that II was ever so frozen ~
before since the settlement of the colony
II has other advantages which cannot be
found elsewhere IN America. A whole
fleet may be got under way, and sail from
three to five leagues on tack get the
:rlni Of the ships, and exercise the meI
within the Bay, secure from attack by ar
enemy. The vicinity OF the ocean is such
! that in one hour feet may be from theil
anchorage to sea, or from sea to safe an
chorage in one ofthe best natural harbours
the world affords. Its central situation al
| so, IN his majesiy's North American Colo.
MES, and its proximity to the West India
Islands, are advantages worthy Of conslde-
ration, as il regards the protection of every
part Of his majesty's widely extended pos.
sessions in this quarter
"Whtfher tits. feasible Of defence ?" is a
question which your Lordshp very justly
considers OF the highest importance, and TO
which my particular attention is directed,
and my opinion required.
After a very minute survey Of the three
passages into the Bay, it is ascertalned
that the East and West passages have mol
sufficient depth of water for ships OF the
line-ond are easy to be obstructed or de-
fendeG--tho centre passage which is the
direct one INTO the harbor of Newport as
well as the Bay, has a great depth Of va.
ter from IL to % iathoms) and bold rocky
shores;-thls passage, between Connoni.
cut Island, and Rhode Island, varies from
two miles to three fourths Of a mile wide,
narrowing as the harbor is approached; for
The defence OF this passage, nature has
done her part, every point, height. and is
land being placed IN the very best position
for cfectual defence. OF the expcnce |
say nothing, not being required to plan
works, or estimate the cost; suffice it TO say.
that To- my humble opinion, it is complete &.
Iy ioncble-and that the Importance of the
position as Naval Station is worth the
cXpence be it what it may.
Chmcte,' Education, &c. The climate
IS thc most salubrlous of any part of his
MaJesty's possessions in America. Rhode
island, which is truly styled the Garden
OF America, is so celebrated for the health
mess of its climate, and the beauties of It's
scenery, that it is made the resort every
summer Of numerous wealthy inhabitants
of the Southern Colonies, and the " est
Indies, seeking health and pleasure For
the same reasons, and to ENJOY the refined
nnd polished society of Newport, many
families of fortune from the West Indies
and Europe have taken up their pcrlna
nent residence here; and among them
many men OF science and erndtion, have
from time 10 time made 1t their abode.
Ihis circumstance, ! presume, in connec-
ton with very extensive and well select.
cd public Library, given by an opulent in
has rendered the " hole mass of
society much better informed in general
literature, then any have met with in any
part Of the world
Population Of The Capital. Newport
contains upwards of nine thousand inhab-
tants, celebrated for their hospitality TO
strangers, and extremely genteel and
courtly IN Their manners-engaged exten
siveiy IN Na. in all and Gcos's s.s!'s .s
DIES and Europe, not only Tor the con
sumption Of this Colony, but for part OF
Bay, ana Connecticut
Religion and .HOrais. In this Colony
perfect Religious freedom is tolerated BY
lneIr Charter Of Government; this has beer
the cause OF tie introduction of numerous
religious sects, every one having its sepa-
rate place OF public worship. In Newport
there is one Episcopal Church using the
forms of the Church OF England-twG
Presbyterian Churches, 3 Baptist Church
es OF different tcnets, ! Moravian Church
one Quaker meeting house, and a Jews
~ 4
port their own preachers by voluntary con
trbutlon. and live together in perfect har
mony. The Jews are highly respectable
class: some Of the most opulent and respec
table merchants are the followers, and OK
act observers OF the laws of Moses. | at
tribute their high standing, to their perfect
freedom, religious ana political.
Oher to'g'5 Of note on The Bay. There
are several towns and villages bordering
on the Bay--but none of any considerable
note, or much engaged in navigat,on--eX
cepting Providence, which is situated on a
small River OF the same name, that falls IN
10 the Bay-and Is thirty miles North o.
Newport Providence contains between
three and four thousand inhabitants, who
carry on considerable trade with The West
ludia Islands and Southern Colonies in pro
visions and produce. Ships of war OF any
considerable burthcn cannot enter Tins nv
er 1t being shoal for several miles from the
town--thus crcumstanced, it can never be
a place OF much navigation and commerce.
Newport, if the second, will probably soon
be the 6rst place in a commercial point OF
view IN New-England.
*On the map Of Rhodc-Island, drawn
from actual surveys, all the roads are laid
down, and seats OF the principal farmers
dnsiunnteh "a list Of hose nnmns are an.