A Key Into the Language of America

Roger Williams saw Native Americans (whom he called “Natives:) as either “rude or clownish”. Williams believes it was the English “desire to civilize them” He found natives as civil and courteous towards Americans. He wrote what he observed and interpreted about Natives in this book.The following are the recorded observations Williams had of Natives:The Natives found tobacco refreshing and reviving and also useful in curing toothaches.Natives offered food to strangers. Williams found Natives often were more generous than were Christians.Natives believed bad dreams were warnings from God. They responded to a bad dream with prayers.Natives held a brother accountable for a brother’s debt, including murder, If a man murdered someone and fled, his brother could be executed.Natives took care of fatherless children.No Natives were beggars.Natives kept their doors open day and night.Natives were intelligent and quickly made correct decisions. Williams observed God “hath not made them inferior to Europeans.”Natives were capable of wartime treachery. There was a tale of a Native warrior who pretended to desert and then killed the enemy Chief Leader and Captain.When attacked in war, a messenger would run to nearby settlements and seek assistance.Williams found Natives as practical.Natives would pray during droughts and continue praying until it rained. Natives had a “revered esteem” for squirrels:,The Natives believed there is a God would rewarded hose “that diligently seek Him.” Natives believed that the British God created the English people and Earth and Heaven in English. They believed their God created them and their world. Natives believed the souls of murderers, thieves, and liars did not go to Heaven but would “wander restless.”Natives were unfamiliar with the concept of working six day s and resting on the sabbath.Natives governed with a monarchy. There were an elder Sachim and a younger Sachim. The elder would not be offended by the younger’s actions while the younger strove to never do anything to displease the elder.The Sachims were absolute monarchs. Yet they used gentle persuasion and would do nothing their people would consider adverse Punishments were beatings or executions.The Natives allowed sex before marriage Marriage occurred upon parental consent and public acknowledgement. Adultery was not permitted. An adulterer would be beaten, something to death.A husband would pay a dowry to the wife’s parents. If a husband was poor, neighbors would contribute to the dowry.The Narrigansets usually had one wife per husband A second was sometimes permitted to increase wealth.The Natives were unaware of the coinage system. They bartered with beads, shell fish, and furs, Many Natives believed the English cheated them when trading, The Natives were willing to take on debt.The Natives were gamblers. They had dice games that would attract up to thousands. It was believes that holding a crystal-like stone called a Thunderbolt would induct God to help them win.

A primary source for anyone wanting to get the flavor and sound of the language people spoke when the pilgrims landed, this book is a treasure. As I read, I'm struck by the tremendous loss to humanity with the extermination of this and other languages. I wish there was uniformity to spelling and pronunciation among the texts on these Algonquin languages. Alas, there is not.The book contains rich descriptions of life and customs to accompany the words and phrases.

Few people recognize Roger Williams as one of the first, if not the first, colonists to study and formally translate, (a lot of cross talk probably occurred between natives and traders, and other merchant interests) Native East Coast American Indian language. He defended the humanity of Native Americans in a time when they were viewed by a majority as "heathens". Although even today native populations still sting from our invasion and take over of their lands, Roger Williams efforts, albeit requested by the English to negotiate settlements and squelch discord, are striking, interesting and beyond commendable. Happy to have a copy of his work.

I’ve only read bits and pieces but it is a fascinating work with keen observations no doubt written by firelight after a long day of avoiding getting killed or starving to death.

Gives great insight into the language of the Narragansett.

A precious clue into the rich cultural world Roger Williams discovered when he arrived here in the middle of the 17th century. Brimming with insights.

This is a fascinating and amazing work. I am very pleased with this edition, because it is easy to read. Roger Williams is a very astute observer - you would think he was a trained anthropologist. I love his open minded thoughts of the people he met. Such a refreshing change from the European view of the natives as savage barbarians.I can't tell that this copy was used at all. A great price, great service, and a great read.

Great primer for learning the Native Language ! I have several Native friends and they wereimpressed with what I had learned. The author is also an ancestor of mine, and reading hiswords and opinions of the Native population of 1630's was a great connection to knowing himon a more personal level. THANK YOU!!