Flat Jane Austen Arrives in Providence, Rhode Island

4 May 1816

My dearest friends,

I survived the Atlantic crossing and have arrived in Providence, the capital city in the colony, I mean the state, of Rhode Island, which is on the east coast, near the Boston harbor where the mad colonists dumped tea in the river! 

Providence is still a small rural village but growing larger and larger. Susanna promises to show me around as we call on the neighbors. 

Providence from Across the Cove. Oil on canvas by Alvin Fisher, 1818. RIHS 1905.2.1

Here I can see the whole town from across the cove. (another view)

I am all astonishment to learn from my host that the incident in Boston was not the first act of treason against our dear King George. She tells me that I have arrived on a very special anniversary. On this day, 4 May, in 1776, the colony of Rhode Island renounced allegiance to the king! I must remember not to faint. The colonists then ran mad and a group of wealthy merchants who did not want to pay taxes, ran one of our British custom ships aground, tied up the captain and set the ship on fire! I daresay the gentlemen were drunk. This day is cause for a large celebration in Rhode Island. I shall call this place Rogue’s Island! I hear there are pirates abroad as well. Oh my!

Our first stop was to call on Susanna's neighbors to catch up on the gossip. Our first stop was to visit the wealthiest, most prominent family in town. This house was built by the late Mr. John Brown (1736-1803). 

 an 1882 photograph

Editor's Note: This is how Jane would have seen the house if she had visited in her lifetime. . 

Here is what you see today if you visit the museum. 19th-century additions include the area from the rear of the house extending to the former wood shed. Landscaped grounds were added in the early 20th century by Marsden J. Perry, a wealthy industrialist and banker who purchased the home from the Brown heirs.

Mr. Brown, a descendant of one of the first English colonists in Providence, was a wealthy merchant and not the good kind either. He and his three brothers owned ships that sailed 'round the world trading goods and bringing them to Providence. Miss Susanna declared he "had his finger in every pie."  This colony, Rhode Island, was known for making rum and the merchants, like Mr. Brown,  enlarged the port "India Point" ("Did he trade in muslins?" I ask? [ed.: not sure! I will try to ask his daughters if I see them again.]) Mr. Brown participated in the slave trade with his brothers and uncle even after it was illegal! His brothers left the trade after a disastrous voyage in which the slaves died and rebelled against their captors. It was much like the Zong case but without the same ending. Mr. Moses Brown, who became a Quaker (!) sued his brother Mr. John Brown to give up slaving. John Brown agreed to give up one of his ships. He also traded goods with China, participated in the burning of one of our good English Coast Guard ships, sold the American navy their first ship, founded a bank, speculated in land, owned a furnace that made canons to fight for American independence (both times) and served in the American Congress for two years and was treasurer of Rhode Island College/Brown University, named for his family, for one and twenty years.

Mr. Brown's nephew lives next door in the yellow house.

John Brown had this house built between [17]86-88. 'Twas the first mansion on the hill and Mr. Brown could see his ships coming into port.  

The house is said to be as fine as any in Europe, however, it would fit inside either of dear Edward's homes with room to spare. It is very grand and the American Presidents have been to stay.

I

Mr. Brown died on September 20, 1803 at the age of 67 of dropsy of the breast. [ed. note: congestive heart failure.]

Now his widow Mrs. Sarah Brown (age 65); unmarried son Mr. James Brown (43), widowed daughter, Mrs. Abigail Francis; grandson John Brown Francis (age 12); daughter Mrs. Sally Herreshoff (30); her husband Mr. Charles F. Herreshoff (a Prussian! Hooray!); their children Miss Anne Herrehoff (14), Miss Sarah Herreshoff (13), Master John Brown Herreshoff (11), Miss Agnes Herreshoff (9), and Master Charles Herreshoff (7) all live here now. 

The daughters are quite delightful, being well-educated, accomplished and prolific letter writers. Mrs. Herreshoff has an interest in astronomy and is an accomplished pianoforte player.

There is a small but beautiful garden on the side as well.

I still do not understand this island which is not an island of rogues and rebels! I must learn some more about this ship burning incident. Until then, I remain,

Yours,

Jane

editor's note: The gorgeous grounds were designed for late 19th-century businessman Marsden J. Perry who had purchased the home from the Brown heirs. The grounds were planted with dozens of elm trees which have since succumbed to disease. The RI Historical Society, who now owns the mansion, recycled the wood into bowls and other products to purchase in support of the historical society.

Editor's note:  Follow Miss Flat Susanna and 3D Susanna to see the inside and/or read these blog entries to learn more!

To see George Washington's visit look at the entry on August 18. 2015