Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/185

CAPTAIN WILLETTs PROPOSALS. 141 The first officers elected under the last order in the year 1668, were Deputy, John Allin ; Constable, Nathaniel Pecke ; Grand Jury, John Rogers. In this township grant of Swansea, the remarkable feature is that the Plymouth Court simply defines the boundaries of the new town, making no conditions as to its settlement or government, except as to possible differences as to lands lying in Swansea and Rehoboth. Swansea thereby becomes an independent township or colony under the general govern- ment of England. The grant goes so far as to give to Thomas Willett and his associates on the committee the power to fix the qualifications of the inhabitants of the town. How he uses his power we shall see by reading the following proposals, made by Mr. Willett, (who was probably a Pedo- baptist), which have made the history of the old town so unique, and the character of her population so worthy of commendation. CAPTAIN WILLETT's PROPOSALS. " Whereas, Capt. Thomas Willett, shortly after the grant of this township, made three following proposals unto those who were with him, by the Court at Plymouth, empowered for the admission of inhabitants, and of granting lots. 1. That no erroneous person be admitted into the town- ship as an inhabitant or sojourner. 2. That no men of any evil behavior, as contentious per- sons, &c., be admitted. 3. That none may be admitted that may become a charge to the place." These proposals were first submitted to the church and of the church's action we have the following record : "The Church here gathered and assembling did thereupon make the following address unto the said Capt. Willett and his associates, the Trustees aforesaid :