What Cheer, Netop!: Selections from A Key Into the Language of America

We are fortunate that Roger Williams took the time to write about his experiences with the Indians. Roger Williams, mainly known as the founder of Rhode Island and an apostle of religious liberty, was also exceptional in his interest and ability to learn the language of the Native Americans. In September of 1642, as he sailed back to England to get a charter that would protect the claims of Massachusetts, he jotted down recollections of Indian language and customs. We are especially fortunate that he did so before European colonization altered the way of life that Narragansett Indians had known for many generations.