Excerpt from Defence of the Rhode Island System of Treatment of the Indians, and of Civil and Religious Liberty

Successive centuries, as they pass away, serve as epochs of human progress.

They seem like mile stones, reminding travelers on the journey of life to look hack on the past for instruction, and forward to the future for improvement.

Two centuries ago this day, our forefathers beheld the heavens reddened by the blaze of their dwellings, kindled by the natives, who had been their friends. We assemble now to consider the causes of this calamity.

Our forefathers, - their joys and their sorrows, - have passed away. It remains for us to trace out and record the history of their lives, to profit by avoiding their errors, and by copying their virtues.

The question is now vividly brought up, what were the wrongs that converted the once friendly Indians, who so hospitably received and protected the founder and early settlers of Rhode Island, into hostile foes? This bi-centennial celebration is a fit time and occasion to investigate this question, which involves most important principles for human government.

In morals, as in mechanics, every reaction is preceded by an action.

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