RUNAWAYS, DESERTERS, AND NOTORIOUS VILLAINS from Rhode Island Newspapers. Vol. 1: The Providence Gazette, 1762-1800

189pp. 1,738 entry Every Name Index. 1998 (1995). #1595 $29.50 A major Rhode Island source! Ms. Taylor’s meticulous abstracting work brings researchers a wealth of fascinating detail on the lives, clothing, ages, marital status, and “moral” conditions of many Rhode Island citizens and strangers who otherwise are unknown. Most people included here do not appear in census, tax, or vital records – in many cases this book provides what few details of their lives will ever be known. The multitude of Revolutionary War deserter notices often include age, physical description, and place of birth or enlistment; adding strong human interest to research in this area. Rhode Island researchers can finally progress beyond Arnold’s vital records, locating and identifying many, many people who escaped both Arnold and the tax man.