Roger Williams's A Key into the Language of America (1644) played an unheralded role in his effort to secure a patent for Providence Plantations. Written in the form of a bilingual dialogue between English and Indians, the Key echoes linguistic works then popular in London and, in presenting a civilized Indian populace, legitimates the land transaction supporting Williams's patent claim.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.