What Cheer! — Providence — Founded 1636
Without bitterness or complaint, Roger Williams prepared immediately to abandon the cabin he had built at Seekonk, and the fields which he had so industriously sown and cultivated.
With five companions who had joined him there, he entered his canoe and dropped down the river, watching the bank for an inviting landing.
On approaching a little cove, friendly voices saluted him. On Slate Rock, Indians were waiting to welcome him.
“What cheer, Netop!” they exclaimed.
It was a salutation, meaning, “How do you do, friend!”
Roger Williams and his companions landed, but were more pleased with the welcome than the place.
Getting into their canoe again, they rounded Indian Point and Fox Point, and sailed up a beautiful sheet of water, skirting a dense forest, to a spot near the mouth of the Mooshausick River.
A spring of fresh water was no doubt one of its attractions. Here Roger Williams commenced to build again, and to prepare for future planting.
He gave the place the name of Providence, “in grateful remembrance of God’s merciful providence to me in my distress.”
Z. A. Mudge (Arranged)