[23]. So Leckford (1641), Winthrop and Morton. Judge Staples questions this. Gorton himself refers to “fines, whippings and banishments out of their jurisdiction,” suffered by himself and friends. (Simplicities Defence). See also Edward Winslow’s “Hypocrisie Unmasked.”
[24]. For charges against Gorton see Portsmouth Town Records. There, also, under date “Mch. 16, 1642,” is a record of the banishment and disfranchisement of Wickes, Carder, Holden, Shotten and Potter; an action practically reversed on the 19th of the following September. (Portsmouth Records). They had already left Portsmouth before their official banishment.
[25]. There is reference to these controversies in Providence Records under date Nov. 17, 1641, in which Gorton’s name is mentioned.
[26]. There are strong reasons for questioning the authenticity of this letter.
[27]. This is admitted by Knowles, the biographer of Roger Williams. Arnold, certainly, had few sympathizers. None of the five “Disposers” of the town took part in this action.
[28]. The first deed of land beyond the Pawtuxet was made to John Greene, Oct. 1, 1642, and signed by Miantonomi and Soccononocco. The deed to Samuell Gorton and others, of the Shawomet lands bears date on the 12th of the following January (1642, O. S.).
[29]. The submission of Pomham and Soccononocco to Massachusetts bears date “June 22nd, 1643.”
[30]. Vide “Narragansett Historical Register,” Vol. I, pp. 16, 17, et seq.
[31]. Sept. 12, 1643.
[32]. Reply of Nowell and the Boston authorities to Gorton, vide “Simplicities Defence.”