CHAPTER VI.

FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TROUBLES.--UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AT USURPATION BY CODDINGTON.

Death of Canonicus, 28

Possibility of the doctrine of soul liberty demonstrated, 28

Dissensions among the colonists, 29

Troubles with Massachusetts, 29

Baptists persecuted in Massachusetts, 30

1651. Coddington obtained a royal commission as Governor of Rhode Island and Connecticut for life, which virtually dissolved the first charter, 30

Roger Williams sent to England to ask for a confirmation of the charter, 31

John Clarke, also, sent to ask for a revocation of Coddington's commission, 31

1652. Slaves not allowed to be held in bondage longer than ten years, 32

Commerce with the Dutch of Manhattan interrupted by war between England and Holland, 32

Coddington's commission revoked and the first charter restored, 32