The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-01-03
MEMOIR OF R.sISLAND.
INTRODUCTION.

IN ;,s course the evidence Of former times
admonishes us that the preservation of
the evidence necessary to enable the fu-
ture historian of Rhodc-lsland to do JUS
tice to his subject, has been too long and
in many instances fatally neglected.
Several gentlemen have given us encour-
agement to expect their assistance, with
which, and our own industry, we hope to
preserve for the benefit of the present
and future generations, at least, some
thing that would otherwise be lost; and
if we are successful, even in a small de-
gree, we humbly conceive our efforts will
not be useless. We propose to CLEAN
from the history ofthc neighbofing states
whatever will contribute to our purpose,
together with what can be afforded by
the public records, and such private pa
pers as may be found in the possession
of the historical society, and elsewhere.
The records ofthe town of Newport,were
taken away when the British troops evac-
uated the Island, in one Of the fleet bound
to New York, which was sunk in Hurl-
gate by which accident they were near
ly destroyed, having lain a long time un-
der water. They were afterwards re-
stored, but in so damaged a condition
that but little can be cleaned from them.
That was misfortune to the historian of
r. Island, which no industry can supply.
The State records however are nearly
entire which afford an ample field for
searching into the public acts of the Leg
islature. Tradition may supply some of
those which the town records contained,
especially Immediately before the inter-
esting period Of the revolutionary war ;
To avail ourselves of which no time must
be lost, as that source of information is
rapidly passing away. The scattered
and broken files ofthe newspapers print
ed in this town are also valuable source,
but unfortunately no regular files are to
be found further back than the year 1870.
The Rev. John Callender's century
sermon, preached on the gath day of
March 1898, will be largely resorted
TO, and previous to its introduction q
short, but correct account ofthat gentle
man will be given. His century sermon
is the only history of this state that ha
ever been compiled, to our knowledge
1t is much to be regretted that he hat
not devoted more of his talents to tn,
subject, as during the time in which HI
wrote, many valuable materials were &C
cessable in the town of Newport; since
which the town records have been de-
stroyed ms before stated. Then, the pa
pers in the ancient families were numer
GUS and valuable since which those fam
lilies have been scattered, especially dur
ing the occupation of the town by th'
British army, and their papers lost or de
troyed in the general wreck and confu
sion Of the times; when every thing wa
disregarded by them, not necessary t.
preserve their own existence. Anothe
great loss of historical documents were
those collected by DR.. Macksparren, th'
Episcopal clergyman who formerly
preached on Tower Hill in South Kings
town. Those were voluminous and reg
ularly filed, and deposited in cases mad'
for that purpose. These cases were |
few years since in the hands of one o
the Updike family in North-Kingstown
whose effects were sold at auction, in hi
absence by the sheriff on execution, an
the papers they contained were throw
away, no one being present disposed I
preventit.
The history of Rhode Island is full O
interest !. is the history Of peopl
who braved all dangers and endured Al
hardships, to establish state government
with full liberty Of conscience in matter
ofreligion, that they might not onl
enjoy for themselyes, but allow others
who came among them, to enjoy, an
promulgate undisturbed, their own opiu