Chapter VIII: (1711-1714.)

Authorities pretend to fear that John Rogers may escape from 227-241
New London prison. He is placed in irons. Conveyed to the
solitary and unfinished “inner prison.” At death’s door.
Rescued by the midnight outcry of his son. Death of his
sister Bathsheba. His release. Settlement of remainder of
the James Rogers estate. Effort to illegally arrest and
imprison John Rogers for “attempt to baptize” a person,
which purpose failing, Governor Saltonstall issues a
warrant for his arrest on charge of insanity. Imprisoned
on this charge and window of prison darkened by a plank.
Protest in behalf of John Rogers by an English lieutenant.
Mob in favor of prisoner tear the plank from the prison
window. Evening examination of John Rogers by Governor
Saltonstall in regard to his mental condition. Plot to
secure dark and solitary imprisonment of John Rogers in
Hartford jail. John Rogers informed of the plot. Escapes
by night to Long Island. “Hue and Cry” sent after him.
John Rogers, Jr., fined for his outcry in the night. John
Rogers is favored by the governor of New York. Returns to
New London and attempts to secure trial of the judges who
conducted the unfair trial by which Joan Jackson was
consigned to slavery. Is non-suited by influential
enemies. Death of Samuel Rogers. Death of Captain James
Rogers. Marriage of John Rogers to Sarah Cole

CHAPTER IX. (1716-1720.)

Rogerenes aroused by attempts at more strict enforcement of 242-254
the ecclesiastical laws. A countermove. Specious public
promise of Governor Saltonstall. Arrest of Sarah, wife of
John Bolles, for “breach of sabbath.” She rebukes the
judge for his unjust verdict. Her long imprisonment. Court
scene relating to the imprisonment of Sarah Bolles. John
Rogers declares the indictment in this trial to be a false
charge and has the sympathy of the jury. Sarah Bolles
loses her child in prison and lies at the point of death.
She is rescued from the prison, by a party of friends and
sympathizers, and carried home on a bed. Countermove by
John Waterhouse. His trial and imprisonment. Disappearance
of the doors of New London prison. John Waterhouse under
suspicion. Parentage and character of John Waterhouse.
John Bolles examined on charge of complicity in the
carrying off of the doors

CHAPTER X. (1721.)

John Waterhouse arrested and imprisoned for baptizing Joseph 255-267
Bolles. Countermove by John Bolles and wife. Seizure of
Rogerene property for rebuilding Congregational
meeting-house. Rogerenes hold noon meeting in
Congregational church. Governor Saltonstall absent. Noon
meeting repeated. Governor Saltonstall present. Rogerenes
attacked by a church party mob. Leaders imprisoned. John
Bolles maltreated. John Waterhouse whipped for baptizing
Joseph Bolles. Smallpox epidemic in Boston. John Rogers
goes to Boston to aid the sufferers, having, ever since
his conversion, made a practice of visiting the sick, and
especially those afflicted with this malady. His return
home. He is prostrated with the disease. Action of
Governor and Council at New Haven. Mamacock quarantined.
Death of John Rogers. Fidelity of his followers.
Succeeding leadership of the Rogerene Society

CHAPTER XI. (1721-1757.)

YEARS OF TRUCE.

Death of Mr. Saltonstall. The half-way covenant under his 268-283
ministry. Rogerenes scourged, in 1725, by Norwich
authorities, for travelling on Sunday. John Bolle’s
“Application to the General Court,” 1728. Governor
Saltonstall’s pew stove down, 1734. Rogerene baptisms.
Groton Rogerenes migrate to New Jersey. They found
Waretown. Ephrata Pilgrims visit the Rogerenes at New
London, 1744. Tightening of ecclesiastical reins. Slight
countermove, 1735. Conciliatory character of Mr. Adams.
Location of Rogerenes. Their general character. Their
intermarriages with other denominations. General
toleration towards the Rogerenes in this period. Death of
John Rogers, 2d. Rogerene burying ground. Sons of John
Rogers, 2d. Sons of John Bolles. Death of Mr. Adams, 1753.
John Bolle’s message to the General Court at Boston, 1754.
A Rogerene warning, 1754. Congregational Church await a
new minister