The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1870-07-01
co"esrnin3 the Pay~snf ef Ta<ss. Licences a,
Fines
From the Easioa lPa-l Argus.i
pENN.S EScAPE.
A LETTER PROM corrox dxrnEn.


Mr.. Judkins, the Librarian of the
Massachusetts, Historical Society, in
overhauling n chest of old papers de-
posted in the archives of that body by
the late Robert Greanleaf, of Maiden,
has recently made a curious discovery
which has especial interest for the peo-
pie of Pennsylvania. Among these
papers was one of ancient date, which
bore this Endorsement "Ye scheme
to bagge Penne." This curious title
attracted the attention of Mr.. judi
kins, and he examined the contents of
the document with more than common
interest. 1t is the familiar and quaint
handwriting of the Rev. Cotton Math-
er, and is addressed to "Ye aged and
beloved Mr.. john Higginson. 1t
bears date, September We 18th,
l6S2." and reads thus, the odd spelling
of the original being followed to the
letter
There bee now at sea shippe (for
our friend Mr.. Esaias Holcroft, OF
London, did advise me by the last
packet that it wolde sail some time in
August) called We Welcome, r. Green
way, master, which has aboard an
hundred or more of We hereto and
malignants called Quakers with W.
Penne, who is we Chief Scampe at We
head of them. Ye General Court has
accordingly given secret orders to
Master Malachi Huxett of We brig Por-
posse to waylaye We said Welcome slylie
as near We coast of Codde as may be
and make captive ye said Penne and
his ungodlie crew SO that We Lord may
be glorified and not Knocked on We soil
of this new countrie with We heathen
worshippe of these people. Much
spoyle can be made by selling We whole
lotte at Barbados where slaves fetch
good prices in rumme and sugar and
shall not only do We Lord great SER
vice by furnishing ye wicked but We
shall make great gayne for his minis
ters and people. Master Huxett feels
hope full, and I will set down the
newes he brings when his shippe
comes back.
Yours in We bowells of Christ,
COTTON MATHER."
Master Huxett missed. his reckon
ing, and. Penn sailed secure within the
capes of the Delaware. But it is Gu
rious to reflect on the narrow chance
by which the founder of this common
wealth escaped the fate of many OF
his religious brethren who were cast
ashore ON the relentless coast of Mas
sachusetts. It is strange to fancy the
wise law-giver, endeared to the hearts
of great people and q. posterity by
his wisdom, sagacity and benevolence,
hoeing sugar IN Barbadoes under the
lash Of Yankee overseer, or crush
ing cane into rum to thaw the granite
gizzards which Mather and his theo-
logical brethren carried about instead
of hearts. All! how the ancient Cot
ton must have mourned for the mar
ketabie Quakers and the refreshing
s.rumme" which came not. It is de-
|lightful to think how he never got a
bit of the ssspoylen which his devilish
old soul held IN delicious anticipation
how Brother Higginson watched
fondly for. his hogshHads and dreamed
Of swallowing his half score off here
tics in pious punches. They would
have made d ssrum cretur Of the
Great Founder, IN .. literals sense, il
| they .had got him.- but thanks to the
good steering ofrssR Greenway, mas
ter" they didn't get him.. =