[30]. In 1664 he gave his son Samuel land “by the mill” “west side of my wharf.”
[31]. Occupied by his son-in-law after Mr. Winthrop’s removal to Hartford In 1657.
[32]. Still to be seen in “Book of Crimes and Misdemeanors,” in State Library, Hartford.
[33]. See same “Book of Crimes and Misdemeanors” for Marriage Settlement.
[34]. In after life he was accustomed to say that it was the richest cargo he ever shipped and the best bargain he ever made.—History of New London.
It was a frequent custom in those days, for persons emigrating to the colonies to pay the expenses of their passage by selling their services for a term after landing. Such passengers were called “redemptioners.” Thus, Captain James actually purchased, as the term was, his wife Mary.
[35]. The account given by their son of this joint conviction of John Rogers and his wife furnishes evidence of a considerable period in which they were in full friendship and accord after the disclosure made to the wife. For account, see [Part I, Chapter III].
[36]. There were, on the law books, so-called capital crimes which were never punished as such. “Man-stealing” was a so-called capital crime, yet we shall find, further on, that it was punishable by an ordinary fine. No mention is made on the court records or files of the crime of which John Rogers was accused by the Griswolds, on charge of which he was examined at Hartford. No record was made of this matter, and we have only vague mention on the court files of the petition of Elizabeth for this divorce by which to even conjecture the nature of the charge.
[37]. Here is an apparent variation, at the outset, from the Newport church.
[38]. By negroes is meant negro and Indian servants or slaves, of which there were a number in the Rogers family, the slaves being held for a term of years.