Theophilus Whaley AND Other Whaley Info

 THE RAWSON FAMILY.
 A REVISED MEMOIR
 OF
 EDWARD RAWSON,
 SECRETARY OF THE COLONY OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY,
 FROM 1650 TO 1686;

 WITH
 GENEALOGICAL NOTICES OF HIS DESCENDANTS,
 INCLUDING NINE GENERATIONS.
 BY E. B. CRANE.

 "Tell ye your Children of it, and let your Children tell their Children, and their Children
 another Generation."--Bible.

 WORCESTER:
 PUBLISHED BY THE FAMILY.
 1875.

 WORCESTER:
 PRINTED BY CHARLES HAMILTON.
 PALLADIUM OFFICE.
 1875.

The corporation in England for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians in New England chose Edward Rawson steward or agent "for the receiving and disposing of such goods and commodities" as should be sent to the "United Colonies," and the Commissioners of the Colonies confirmed the choice at a meeting held at New Haven in September, 1651, and appointed him to that trust. It seems that a charge of negligence in the performance of his duties in that capacity, was preferred against him. "The praying Indians complained to Ratcliff and Randolph that they could not get the clothes which were allowed them." The charge is believed to have been groundless, as Andross, who removed him from office, and Randolph who succeeded him, had sufficient motives to induce them to excite prejudice against him among the Indians. Soon after this, Andross was seized by the Colonists, and sent to England in irons.

The warrant which was sent to Boston by King Charles II. for the apprehension of the Regicides, Goff, Whalley and Dixwell, was countersigned by Secretary Rawson. His correspondence with Gov. Leete, of Connecticut, shows that zealous efforts were made to apprehend them, but, as is well known, they were unsuccessful. He is believed to be the author of a book published in 1691, entitled, "The Revolution in New England Justified;" also another, entitled, "The General Laws and Liberties concerning the Inhabitants of the Ms. &c., fol., 1660." Although no extracts from either of these books are at hand, yet, in the Appendix may be found some matters of interest in the way of letters, orders, &c., which originated with him.

 It is to be regretted that one, whose character was otherwise so irreproachable as that of the Secretary, should have been led to participate in the persecution of the Quakers. But there is too much proof on record to leave room for doubt, that he was influenced by the fanaticism of the day. This is the only blemish upon his fair fame, and we may hope that his conduct during this excitement--chargeable, perhaps, in a great measure, to his peculiar position--may be counterbalanced by the virtuous deeds of an apparently otherwise irreproachable life.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM SECRETARY RAWSON TO WILLIAM
 LEET, ESQ., GOVERNOR OF NEW HAVEN JURISDICTION.

                  "BOSTON, July 4, 1661.
   "HONORED SIR:
   "The Council of our Jurisdiction being assembled the 4th inst. at Boston, ordered me to signify to you what lately they have received from England by Capt. Leverett, his letter bearing date 12th April, 1661, who tells us that, however, our addresses to his Majesty came seasonably, and had a gracious answer. Yet many complaints and claims are multiplied against us, and we are likely to hear from his Majesty's Committee what these complaints are, and what is expected from us; that an oath was produced against him for saying, that rather than we should or would admit to appeals here, we would sell the country to the Spaniards: which though he absolutely denied that he ever so said, and that if he should have so said, be had wronged the country very much. Some of the Committee said, the words, if spoken, they were pardoned, but they looked at the words not so much his, as the spirit of the Country, and that again, he desired that the country might not suffer in their minds for what he knew was so much and so far from them, as to think aught in any such respect. Yet one of them proceeded to question him, whether, if we durst, we would not cast off our allegiance and subjection to his Majesty? He answered, he did apprehend we were honest men, and had declared in our application to his Majesty the Country, and therefore could not have such thoughts of us without the breach of charity; that was no less than necessary we had some able person to appear for us, well furnished to carry on our business, which will not be with out money; that the Council for Plantations demanded of him whether we had proclaimed the King, and whether there was not much opposition to agreeing of our application. He answered he knew not, only he heard Capt. Breaden say so, but humbly submitted to their consideration, that neither we nor any other were to be concluded by debates, but by our conclusion, which were sent and presented to his Majesty in our names.

 "They took notice, from inquiry, that it was only from one Colony, namely, Massachusetts, and have theire considerations of other colonies' neglects, to speak most favorably thereof; thus far as to the letter. Further I am required to signify to you as from them, that the non attendance with diligence to execute the King's warrant for apprehending of Col. Whaley and Goff, will much hazard the present state of these colonies, and your own particularly, if not some of your persons, which is not a little afflictive to them. And that in their understanding there remains no way to expiate the offence, and preserve yourselves from danger and hazard, but by apprehending the said persons, who, as we are informed, are yet remaining in the colony, and not above a fortnight since were seen there, all which will be against you. Sir, your own welfare, the welfare of your neighbors, bespeak your unwearied pains to free yourself and neighbors. I shall not add so lately, by a few lines from our Governor and myself, looking much this way, communicated our sense and thoughts of your and our troubles, and have yet received no return, but commend you to God, and his rich grace, for your guidance and direction in a matter of such moment as his Majesty may receive full and just satisfaction, the mouths of all Opposers stopped, and the profession of Truth that is in you and us may not in the least suffer by your actings, is the prayer of

                         "Sir,
                                  "Your assured loving Friend,
                                                 "EDWARD RAWSON,
                                                                       "Secretary.
 "In name and by order of the Council."

 "SIR:

 "Since what I wrote, news and certain intelligence is come hither, of Col. Whalley and Goff being at New Haven, from Saturday to Monday, and publicly known, and however it is given out that they came to surrender themselves, and pretended by Mr. Gilbert that he looked when they would have come in and surrendered, never setting a guard about the house, nor endeavoring to secure them, but when it was too late to send to Teticut, &c. Sir, how this will be taken, is not difficult to imagine, to be sure, not well; nay, will not all men condemn you as wanting to yourselves, and that you have something to rely on, at least that you hope will answer your ends? I am not willing to meddle with your hopes; but if it be a duty to obey such lawful warrents, as I believe it is, the neglect thereof will prove uncomfortable. Pardon me, sir, it is my desire you may regain your peace, (and if you please to give me notice when you will send the two Colonels) tho' Mr. Wood Greene is bound hence within a month, yet, if you shall give me assurance of their coming, I shall not only endeavour; but do hereby engage to cause his stay a fortnight, nay, three weeks, rather than they should not be sent. Expecting your answer, remain,

           "Sir, Your assured loving Friend and Servant
                        "EDWARD RAWSON."(*)