William Blackstone in His Relation to Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Excerpt from William Blackstone in His Relation to Massachusetts and Rhode Island About the year 1624 the English explorer who chanced to land upon the peninsula where the city of Boston now stands must have encountered a phenomenon. Instead of being greeted by the painted savage, he was welcomed in familiar tones by a dignified and courteous individual in scholastic garb, whose language indicated liberal culture, as his sentiments testified to his generous humanity. Though nature reigned in primeval wildness, evidences of cultivation were not wanting, and upon the shelves of the little cottage to which the visitor was invited could be seen well-used tomes, recalling the studies of the university. Who, therefore, was this strange individual whose features united the lineaments of the contemplative recluse with those of good-fellowship and hospitality?