RICHARD FRANCIS
His specialty was early American history. The early colonists believed that the Indians in America were descended from the lost tribe of the Jews. Therefore, they saw it as their duty to educate them and bring them into the Christian fold, as they had never yet had the chance. Harvard in its earliest days had what and Indian students. King Phillip’s War with some Indians had soured the views of many whites and soon Harvard adopted an all white policy.
Richard Francis was an English cricketer who played for Hampshire in the last quarter of the 18th century when its matches were organised by the Hambledon Club. He is known to have been a Surrey man by birth and he had played for Surrey teams before moving to Hampshire. He made 47 known appearances in significant or first-class matches from 1773 until 1793. It is possible he had a brother who made one appearance for Hampshire in 1775.
