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COLLECTIONS
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
COLLECTIONS
MASSACHUSEHS HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
VOL. VI. — FOURTH SERIES.
]Btiblifl)rB It tfit flTinigt oC tfic applcton Sunt.
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY.
Entered, acconiiDg Ut Act of CongreM, in the yfar 1863. b>
THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
In the Clerk** CMBce of the District Court of the Dliitrict of MafsarhnHctts.
BOSTON:
PRINTKn BT JOHN WILSON AND BON,
5, Watkr Htbf.kt.
117788
• • . •
• * • ■ h •
* • *• • • ••
. • • • • •. »■ *
CONTENTS.
Officers of the Society, elected April 10, 1862 .... vii
Resident Members viii
ITONORARY AND CORRESPONDING MEMBERS X
Editorial Preface xiii
. « • «
• <
•« •*
Letters of John Hu3ifrey 1
AViLL, Letters, &c., of Isaac Johnson 20
Letters of Emanuel Downing 33
Hl'gu Peter 91
Matthew Cradock 118
John Endecott 131
„ „ William Bradford 156
„ „ Edward Winslow 162
„ „ lioGER Williams 184
„ „ William Coddington 312
., ,, Edward Hopkins 325
,, Theophilus Eaton 344
„ ,, John Haynes 354
„ „ George Fenwick 364
„ „ William Pynchon 369
„ Thomas Hooker 387
„ ., Robert Ryece 391
Anonymous Letter 442
Letters of Henry Jacie 452
,, ,, Edward Howes 467
,, „ John Winthrop, Jr 514
., „ Peter Stuyvesant 533
,. ,, Sir George Downing 536
,, „ Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston 545
,, „ Sir William Spring 551
„ „ Brampton Gurdon 559
„ „ Abraham Shurt 570
Miscellaneous Letters, &c 574
Fac-Similes of Signatures and Seals 587
Index j^y
Commiitte of $nblication for t^e ^rtsrat 9oInme.
ROBERT C. WINTHROP. CHARLES DEANE. CHANDLER ROBBINS.
li
OFFICERS
or THE
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
Elected April 10, 1862.
^rtsibcni. H0\. ROBERT C. WINTHROP, LL.D Boston.
Vict-^restbents.
JARED SPARKS, LL.D Cambridge.
COL THOMAS ASPINWALL, A.M Boston.
$tcoibtng Seattaqi. REV. CHANDI.ER BOBBINS, D.D Boston.
Corce8|pmbmg Stcrttars. JOSEPH WHiLARD, A.M Boston.
HON. RICHARD FROTHINGHAM, A.M Charlestown.
STibiBiian. NATHANIEL B. SHURTLEFF, M.D Boston.
tfvbvati-yiuiftx, SAMUEL A. GREEN, M.D Boston.
Stsnbing f/Ottiitixiitt,
REV. SAMUEL K. LOTHROP, D.D Boston.
REV. ROBERT C. WATERSTON. A.M Boston.
HON. EMORY WASHBURN, LL.D Cambridge.
THOMAS C. AMORY, Jun., A.M Boston.
WILLIAM G. BROOKS, Esq. Boston.
RESIDENT MEMBERS,
AT THE DATE OF TOE PUBUCATION OF THIS TOLUME, IN THE ORDER <
THEIR ELECTION.
Hon. Josiah Quincy, LL.D. Hon. James Savage, LL.D. Hon. Edward Everett, LL.D. Kev. William Jenks, D.D. Jared Sparks, LL.D. Joseph E. Worcester, LL.D. Joseph Willard, A.M. Rev. Joseph B. Felt, LL.D. Rev. Convers Francis, D.D. George Ticknor, LL.D. Hon. Robert G. Winthrop, LL.D. Rev. Alvan Lamson, D.D. Hon. Charles Francis Adams, A.M. Rev. George E. Ellis, D.D. Hon. John C. Gray, LL.D. Rev. Nathl. L. Frothingham, D.D. Hon. George S. Hillard, LL.D. Hon. William Minot, A.M. Hon. Peleg W. Chandler, A.M. Rev. George W. Blagden, D.D. Rev. Lucius R. Paige, D.D. Hon. Solomon Lincoln, A.M. Rev. Chandler Robbins, D.D. Francis Bowen, A.M. John Langdon Sibley, A.M. Hon. Richard Frothingham, A.M. Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, M.D. Henry Wheatland, M.D. Hon. David Sears, A.M.
Thomas H. Webb, M.D. Charles Deane, A.M. George Livermore, A.M. Francis Parkman, A.B. Ellis Ames, A.M. Hon. John H. CliflTord, LL.D. William Brigham, A.B. Hon. Emory Washburn, LL.D. Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, D.D. Rev. WiUiam Newell, D.D. Hon. Lorenzo Sabine, A.M. Col. Thomas A spin wall, A.M. Rev. John S. Barry, A.M. John A. Lowell, LL.D. Lucius M. Sargent, A.M. J. Lothrop Motley, LL.D. George R. Russell, LL.D. Hon. Charles H. Warren, A.M. Rev. James Walker, D.D. Rev. Edmund H. Sears, A.B. Oliver Wendell Hohnes, M.D. Henry W. Longfellow, LL.D. Rev. Frederic H. Hedge, D.D. Frederic Tudor, Esq. Jacob Bigelow, M.D. Hon. George T. Davis, A.B. Hon. Stephen Salisbury, A.M. Henry Austin Whitney, A.M. Rev. William S. Bartlet, A.M.
RESIDENT MEMBERS.
IX
Josiah O. Holland, M.D.
Kev. Charles Brooks, A.M.
Hon. William Sturgis.
Leverett Saltonstall, A.M.
Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, A.M.
Samuel F. Haven, A.M.
George T. Curtis, A.B.
Hon. Richard H. Dana, jun., A.M.
Hon. Levi Lincoln, LL.D.
Joseph Palmer, M.D.
Hon. George Tyler Bigelow, LL.D.
Hon. Caleb Cushing, LL.D.
Henry W. Torrey, A.M.
Hon. Joel Parker, LL.D.
Williams Latham, A.B.
Hon. Charles Hudson, A.M.
Rev. Robert C. Waterston, A.M.
Hon. Theophilus Parsons, LL.D.
Thomas C. Amory, Jan., A.M.
George Sumner, Esq.
Hon. Benjamin F. Thomas, LL.D.
Samuel A. Green, M.D.
Hon. James M. Robbins.
Charles Eliot Norton, A.M.
Hon. John J. Babson.
Robert Bennett Forbes, Esq.
Rev. Edward E. Hale, A.M.
Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, D.D.
Hon. Theron Metcalf, LL.D.
William G. Brooks, Esq.
Horace Gray, jun., A.M.
Hon. Charles G. Loring, LL.D.
Charles Folsom, A.M.
Amos A. Lawrence, A.M.
Rev. Edwards A. Park, D.D.
Charles Spragae, A.M.
Rev. William A. Steanis, D.D.
The following named RestderU Members have died since the publication of the last volume of Collections, Nov. 20, 1861 : —
■Hon. Luther V. Bell, M.D. Hon. William Appleton. Cornelius C. Felton, LL.D.
Rev. Charles Mason, D.D. Hon. Nathan Hale, LL.D.
HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING
MEMBERS,
ELECTED UNDER THE ORIGINAL ACT OF INCORPORATION, 1794, IN THE ORDER OF
THEIR ELECTION.
Benjamin Silliman, LL.D.
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, D.D.
Hon. Gillian C. Verplanck, LL.D.
Don Manuel Moreno, M.D.
Rev. John Hutchinson.
Carl Christian Rafn, P.D.
Thomas C. Haliburton, D.C.L.
Hon. Lewis Cass, LL.D.
llieodore Dwight, A.M.
M. C^sar Moreau.
Erastus Smith, Esq.
Rev. Benjamin Tappan, D.D.
Joshua Francis Fisher, A.M.
T. A. Moerenhout, Esq.
Usher Parsons, M.D.
Hon. George Folsom, A.M.
Rev. Luther Halsey, D.D.
John Disney, Esq.
Rev. Francis Lister Hawks, D.D.
Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D.
M. Henri Ternaux-Compans.
George Catlin, Esq.
John Winthrop, Esq.
Dom Joaquim Jos^ da Costa de
Macedo. Israel K. Tefft, Esq.
Hon. David L. Swain, LL.D.
Hon. James M. Wayne, LL.D.
M. Hall McAllister, Esq.
Rt. Rev. William B. Stevens, D.D.
Henry Black, LL.D., C.B.
Rev. .Charles Burroughs, D.D.
George Atkinson Ward, Esq.
Richard Almack, F.S.A.
Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., D.C.L.
Lieut.-CoL James D. Graham.
Robert Lemon, F.S.A.
Thomas C. Grattan, Esq.
John Romeyne Brodhead, A.M.
Major E. B. Jarvis.
E. George Squier, Esq.
Miss Frances Manwaring Caulkins.
Thomas Donaldson, Esq.
Hon. George Bancroft, LL.D.
J. Hammond Trumbull, Esq.
Robert Bigsby, LL.D.
Rev. Joseph Romilly, A.M.
James Ricker, jun., Esq.
Henry Stevens, Esq.
Cyrus Eaton, A.M.
Hon. WiUiam Willis, A.M.
Frederick Griffin, Esq.
HONORARY AND CORRESPONDIN^i MEMBERS.
XI
John Carter Brown, A.M.
Hon. Elijah Hayward.
Rev. William S. Southgate.
Hon. Samuel G. Arnold, A.M.
Hon. Charles S. Daveis, LL.D.
John Gilmary Shea, Esq.
James Lenox, Esq.
Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Oxford, D.D.
Winthrop Sargent, A.M.
Earl Stanhope, D.C.L.
Hon. William C. Rives, LL.D.
Hon. Peter Force.
Hon. John R. Bartlett, A.M.
Samuel Eliot, A.M.
G. P. Faribault, Esq.
William Paver, Esq.
HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING
MEMBERS,
ELECTED SINCE THE PASSAGE OF THE ACT OF 1«
Ihnorary.
Frangois Pierre Guillaume Guizot,
LL.D. Lord Lyndhurst, D.C.L. Count Jules de Menou. Hon. John J. Crittenden, LL.D. Hon. Edward Coles. Baron Charles Dupin. Hon. Robert Hallowell Gardiner,
A.M. M. Francois A. A. Mignet Count Adolphe de Circourt. Hon. Horace Binney, LL.D. Hon. James L. Petigru, LL.D. The Very Rev. Henry Hart Milman,
D.D. William C. Bryant, LL.D. Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott,
LL.D. Count Ag^nor de Gasparin.
Corrapondmg,
Rev. William B. Sprague, D.D. Rev. Samuel Osgood, D.D. William Durrant Cooper, F.S.A.
E. B. O'Callaghan, M.D.
Buckingham Smith, Esq.
Benjamin F. French, Esq.
Francis Licber, LL.D.
William H. Trescot, Esq.
Richard Hildreth, A.B.
Dr. J. G. Kohl.
Hon. Albert G. Greene.
Hoft. John P. Kennedy, LL.D.
Hon. George P. Marsh, LL.D.
Benjamin R. Winthrop, P2sq.
J. Carson Brevoort, Esq.
The Ven. Lord Arthur Hervey.
Horatio Gates Somerby, Esq.
George H. Moore, Esq.
Hon. William R. Staples, A.M.
Hon. Hugh Blair Grigsby, LL.D.
W. Noel Sainsbury, Esq.
S. Austin Allibone, LL.D.
William Winthrop, Esq.
Henry T. Parker, A.iM.
Rev. Leonard Woods, D.D.
Benson J. Lossing, Esq.
Lyman C. Draper, Esq.
Rt Rev. George Burgess, D.D.
George Washington Greene, A.M.
M. Edrae Francois Joraard, an Honorary Member, has died since the i>ublication of tb last volume of CoUectious.
PREFACE.
At the stated meeting of the Massachusetts Historical Society on the 14th of February, 1861, it was announced that a large collection of letters and papers, some of them dating back to the earliest period of our Colonial history, had come into the possession of the President of the Society ; and, at his request, a Committee was appointed to prepare for publication such of them as they might select for that purpose. Of that appointment, the present volume is the first-fruits. It may be followed hereafter by further selections from the same papers.
The table of contents will sufl&ciently indicate the cha- racter of the volume, and the plan of its arrangement ; while the editorial notes will serve to call attention to some points of peculiar interest.
It is believed that but few volumes of our Collections, since the first publication of the Society in 1792, have contained more valuable illustrations of the early history of New England, and of the character of those by whom its various colonies were founded.
XIV PREFACE.
The facsimiles of signatures and seals from the let- ters here printed will prove an interesting addition to the volume ; and the arms employed by the respective writers may be of service in elucidating some doubtful points of family history.
The Committee desire to acknowledge the valuable aid which they have received from the Assistant Librarian, Dr. Appleton , in preparing the volume for the press.
14th Febuuaut, 1863.
THE WINTHROP PAPERS.
THE WINTHROP PAPERS.
JOHN HUMFREV TO ISAAC JOHNSON. 1880.
To (he worship/uU my deardy respected & much honoured brother Isdoc Johnson Eaqr. at Charlestowne in New England.
Dearest brother, — That which is yet new to mee & wherein I must follow your greife a far of, I desire may now grow old & out of date with you ; there bee dayes of mourning which it is as meete to set a period unto, as it is seemely & needeful at first to take up. Therefore that I may not renovate dolores no more of that. Your late letter by the Gift I received, blessing God for your health & prospering in the midst of all your losses. But good brother beare up, you have as much cause of comfort that so sincerely have devoted your selfe to the service of the Lord in his worke as anie that I know, & for your losses though manie thousand tallents more were gone the Lord were able, & if it bee good will repay. But, ahlasse, I pitie not you in
* John Hamfrey was cho»eD Deputy Governor of the Massachusetts Company in October, 1629; bnt did not come over to New England till 1634. His wife was the Lady Susan, daughter of the Earl of Lincoln, and sister of the Lady Arbella Johnson. This letter begins with a reference to the death of the Lady Arbella; but her husband, to whom it was addressed, had died also before it was written, as appears by the following notice in Gov. Winthrop*s History of New England : " September 30, 1630. — About two in the morning, Mr. Isaac Johnson died; his wife, the Lady Arbella, of the house of Lincoln, being dead about one month before. He was a holy man and wise, and died in sweet peace, leaving some part of his substance to the Colony." — Savage^s Winthrop, new edition, vol. i. p. 40. — Eda.
1
2 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
this, that have got not onely the upper but the neather springes, & though not supplanted yet got a larger portion of both then manie of your elder brethren, I meane such as were in Christ before vou. Blessed bee his name that hath given you a communicating hart for the faithful dispensing your several tallents to his best advantage. Truth is, sweete brother, but that you are worthy of all, &, by that little grace I have, I cannot but reioyce in God's greater gifts to others, I should envie you were it not for sinning against God. Even these outward thinges are excellent instruments of doing good withall, how much more transcendent is the mercie when their is a hart to use them. Well brother you everie way abound in all riches, & blessed bee God that sets you in the way of yet greater increase, the liberal soule shall be made fat & hec that watereth shall bee watered againe. Never could there bee a fairer opportunitie for a full estate to get a full reward then by scattering & casting bread upon such waters. Now the Lord both goe on with inlarging your hart & hand, & minister seede to the sower & a yet more glorious crowne to your fruiteful soule.
Now touching the particulars of your letters breifely. The burthens which I feared after I had some intimation of the slender provisions manie good people made, I laboured what I could to bee helpeful in easing you of. I was on a faire way for a common stocke ; got neare 500/ underwritten, had promise of manie & more proba- bilities of advancing this stocke. The first rise and advantage I tooke was by that which providence offered in that rumour of the French. Men were somewhat in- clinable & workeable to the apprehension of your daunger, & yielding some supplies for succouring your persons against an enimie & securing your estates. But assoone as this dampe of ill report of the state of thinges came from your owne handes, straimge it was to see how little brotherly love wrought in brethren. The designe
1630.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 3
was given of as lost, & to make it worse, few shewed anie affection to save those which were likely to perish. Former promises are fled from, that which was under- written lies unperformed by some & is flatly denied by others. Those wee most depended on, & might have done much, have rather blamed then pitied their poore brethren, laying more loadc where the burthen should beene eased. Others gave somewhat, but rather according to their hopes of the busines, then the necessities thereof. So that I see it is in plantations as in warre, men may hope for supplyes from freindes, but without preiudice both of their wisedome & undertakings may not depend upon them. When wee least neede freindes possiblie wee may have them to befreind us, or rather themselves (in hope of some recompence) but brotherly love & conscience of dutie have lost much of their vigour that long since were decaying. Wherefore if wee will neyther blemish the gospel, nor bring upon ourselves that contempt & reproach of the foolish builder, wee must sell our states & beare our owne burthens.
For Mr. Wiggin & your thoughts concerning him, & those who set him on worke, I thinke you will heare little more. Yet your letter shall bee delivered if it bee meete, and accordingly wee shall doe. I purpose this morning to goe to Mr. Downing to advise about it. Hee is the onely man for Councel that is hartily ours in the towne, & yet unlesse you settle upon a good river & in a lesse snowie & cold place I see no great edge on him to come unto us. Wee are all much bound to my lord Say for his cordial advice & true affections. As also to my lord of Warwicke. Sir Natha. Rich deserves much acknowledgment of his wise handling. Sir Ferd. Gorge who from verie high matters is come to this, to desire that his people & planters (by vertue of his sons pattent) may live quietly & uniniured by us ; that Jefferie is a bad man, hee basely flings out in his letters to him.
4 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1(530.
which Sir Ferd. shewed mee : handle him wisely & by no meanes exasperate such spirits. Though Sir Ferd. ney- ther will nor can doe us much good, yet hee or anie may have eare to doe us hurt. I assured him of your care to right his people in anie iniurie they had or should sustaine, & there was an end for that time. Other passages there were, they are too long to write, when Mr. Allerton comes to you hee will satisfie you of some, whome I acquainted with what past in general.
My lord of Warw: will take a Pattent of that place you writ of for himselfe, & so wee may bee bold to doe there as if it were our owne. Write letters abundantly to him & others, though they deserve them not as hee doth. Much neglect is apprehended by manie of themselves. Dr. Wright & Mr. Davenport must not bee forgotten. Send over what the nature of your diseases are, & the several circumstances & accidents & symptomes of them. Dr. Wright I thinke will bee as readie as hee said to studie & direct fit remedies. I have much more to write, but I would willingly hasten these letters now away, & therefore with my best & most affectionate remembrance of you Mr. Governor, Mr. Nowel, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Cod- dington &c. &c. &c. I rest
Your trulie & ever loving brother
Jo: HUMFREY. LoND: Dec: 9th. 1630.
I pray you take a noate of my hand up from Sir Richard, or else a noate of his hand for 100/ I borrowed of him & satisfied againe before he went. — My lord Say told mee hee had writ a letter to you, but I cannot learne where hee hath left it
I have sent you those new bookes that arc lately come out. Dr. Ames' Cases to Mr. Governor which I purpose to send you by the next, & now Dr. Sibs' Bruised Reede & Mr. Dike of Scandals to you.
1630.] THE WINTHROP P.IPERS.
JOHN HUMFREY TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To the rigid worship/idl his mucli honoured freind Mr. John Winthrop Governor of the plantation of the Massackusets bay in New England.
Much honoured, — I writ unto you not long since by Mr. Peirce, since which time there is little of anie moment that offers it selfe more then I have (to my present best remembrance) intimated in some of your letters eyther then or now, & though for prevention of anie miscarriage it were meete of all businesses to send several letters of the same thinges, yet I know neyther yours, no more then my present leasure (yet much lesse) will aflford much spare time for unnecessaries, whereas (but that hee hath a feeding fountaine of everlasting strength that un- derprops you) I should feare (& manie times doe) that' you will neede time & strength for ordinarie occasions. Therefore I would not overloade you with manie more needeles lines, who are (the Lord keepe you from sin in that your too great zeale of dutie) too to readie to overloade your selfe everie way. Sir I beseech you give mee & manie others occasion to bee thankeful unto you for your more indulgent care of your selfe, as I (above manie) have alreadie an obligation of further love & service laide upon mee for your tender care of my dearest brother. Consider I pray you how inexpiable a failing it were, both in respect of the Lord whose worke you are in, the worke itselfe, the manie lives yea soules that depend upon your well being, not to speake of your deare wife, hopeful & some alreadie hope-answering children, your freindes (who expect that wisedome to bee shewed in your discreete carriage of your selfe in this busines, that to good purpose they have observed in you in other undertakings,) & much lesse to speake of my owne & those that are alike interested in you, who yet of faithful & sendee-owing freindes should
6 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
become most severe & iustly provoked censurers, if you should bee prodigal of your precious health, & so slight all these ingagements with manie more. I seriously professe & that in truth that all the sinnes you ever committed or possiblie can commit (under that unpardon- able one) I am perswaded would bee of lesse weight to your conscience then this one. Take heede therefore I beseech you under what specious pretence soever the divel as an Angel of light insinuate himselfe, sugesting the necessitie or great advantage of an exemplarie & selfe de- nying & selfe neglecting carriage in you, for the animating & confirming the weake harts & hands of others to doe & suffer, following your tracke that else would not find the way ; I say take heede least hereby your bodie (not ac- customed to hardnes of unusual kindes & not necessitated, unles by a voluntarie & contracted necessitie) should sinke Tinder his burthen & fall to mine for want of a more conscionable tenaunt. What the Lord layes upon you, hee is able & faithful to enable you unto, & hee that knowes your strength I dare warrant you will exercise it to the utmost, but bee not barbaurously cruel unto your selfe, by thinking eyther to supererrogate or superinduce upon your selfe more then you have strength to beare, & then the Lord in his wisdome & mercie imposeth upon you. Some need the spurre, but you the reine, your exesse may bee of more daungerous consequence then their defect & indeede the greater sin, being this would bee greatest against the publicke, theirs cheifely against their owne private, & but with a reflexive or secondarie respect against the common good. But that it is a case of im- portance & that wherein your wisedome & pietie as well as your bodie & estate suffer with us all I should not so soone have forgot my selfe to remember you.
I have sent vou Dr. Ames' Cases of Conscience, newlie come foorth, wherein you will find manie thinges of especial use & singularly helpeful for present direction
1630.] THE WINTUROP PAPERS. 7
*
& satisfaction, untill what may not bee answered to the full here, shall both from him & others (best studied in those thinges wherein doubts are like to arise) ere long bee sent unto you, if I faile not in my hopes & endeavours that way. It will much concerne us to seeke (without which wee cannot keepe) the truth in love, whose iudgments & practice may (without good guidance of us in laying the foundation) bee pernicious not onely to ourselves, but to our posterities, & all ages (in those parts at least) after us. And therefore as wee find, & you foresaw, there will neede great wisdome, much advice, earnest prayer, & a total subiugation of our owne iudgment, wills & aflfections, unto the clearer light of truth shining unto us in those helpes which the Lord shall be pleased to affoord unto us. For pw. u, ». certainely, as they who are immaturely precipitate in their councels or actions, are thereby but advancers of follie, & they who looke not to their feete in such weightie considerations, & are not readie to seeke & heare advice must needes offer the sacrifice of fooles not considering soei. i. 2. that they doe evil, & if it bee daungerous to utter a thing rashly before God with ones mouth, how much more to conclude determinately of thinges not well examined, which is as it were to answer a matter before it bee heard, which is both follie & shame. Prov. 18. 13. So the Lord will not beare with anie cursed negligence in our not seeking, digging, & crying after wisedome, to bee directed in so important a worke as is the recoverie of anie allmost- lost truthes : Neyther will it answer the maiestie of those truthes of God nor our owne humble esteeme of ourselves, & our right iudgment of our owne weakenesses, to thinke with the first glaunce of our eyes to discerne clearely, what the most iudicious & holy men have beene dazeled in & differed about Rather let us heare what the Lord saith by them, & so far as they weigh everie pinne of the tabernacle in the scales of the Sanctuarie, follow & obey them ; where anie, yea though an Angel from heaven, shall obtrude
8 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [Ifi30.
anie thing upon us without warrant from the word, avoide them, ]^ea let them bee in that Anathematized.
For the place of fixing yourselves, it is sollicitously agitated by manie good & noble freindes where it were best & safest ; to the South they conclude, as it is warmer, & (report gives out) the snow even at Narraganset lies lesse while, so doe they conceave it will bee everie way bet- ter, especiallie if wee could come in upon Hudson's river, (which as Mr. Allerton affirmes meetes with Canada) with cleare warrant in respect of the planters & natives there, to remove our choice people thither & to leave the mixt multitude (that will ever bee as thomes & prickes unto us) behind us, as tenaunts in our houses & of our lands. Now though the bodie of our best people neede not presently move, yet after discoverie & resolution some workemen might bee sent before to provide in some sort for those good people who shall the yeare following, hence & from you, transplant themselves. For this end I hope wee shall send you a barke for discoverie with some come in her, & if this bee resented & prosecuted by you, & some new & better satisfaction bee given to the good people here that wee goe not away for Separation, the apprehension whereof (against the best assurance & protestation I can make) takes deepe impression in them, I hope wee shall againe redintegrate both ourselves & the undertaking in the former good opinion which hath beene conceaved of us & it. The opinion of this place you are in, partly in those & in respect of the sharpenes of the cold & continu- ance of the snow, partly in respect of the several titles & pretencions of several men, togeather with the implantation of manie lewde persons among us, who will ever bee espying out our Libertie, & bee as Tobiah, Sanballat & the rest both to hinder the building & to further & pro- move all uniust accusations, eyther finding or making matter of complaint alwayes against us, these considera- tions much dampe & dull the edge of some of good estates
1630.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 9
who were looking towards us. These thinges I leave to your wise & serious consideration, being sorrie, th^t once in,. I can scarce get out, & so having overpast my word & my time for the present, with my due respect & service, my poore prayers & best endeavours for you & the worke though to little purpose,
Your trulie loving & honouring
London, Dec 12th, 1630. Jo: HuMFREY.
Sir, I pray you take course that the 150/ which Mr. White had of mee to lay out for come may by some meanes bee made good unto mee here by Mr. Peirces retoume, that that & the rest of the monie due imto mee from the Arbella Companie since the last yeare, may helpe mee over unto you with Mr. Peirce againe. All the monie that I can make otherwise is now alreadie eyther out, or to bee imployed in this barke with your Sonne for securing of you with certaine supplies (if God blesse them several wayes) least some should faile.
JOHN HUMFREY TO ISAAC JOHNSON. DeARE & MUCH ESTEEMED FREIND & BROTHER, 1 SCUt
the last weeke by the Carriour letters & 3 or 4 bookes bound up togeather to bee delivered by you to the Master of your ship now going ; I pray you with those let these bee delivered. I expect to heare from you daily about certificate from Bristol of the provisions thence shipped or exported, that according to former advice wee may worke as there is occasion & the Lord (by such meanes as he shall vouchsafe) shall see good. The same Lord in goodnes goe along with you, prosper, accept, and reward the labour of your effectual love. You much oblige all both there & here that wish well to the persons or worke in hand,
2
10 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
especiallie him that with his best affections & service of love sljall ever desire to approve himselfe
Your trustie loving
Jo: HUMFREY. Dec. 17th 1630.
If there bee anie thing forgotten by our freindes or my- selfe that you remember, & know to bee useful & necessarie unto them, I pray you adde that to your present provisions as far as 20, 30, or 40/ may goe, but this I would neyther trouble you withall, nor yet further burthen my selfe by, except in case & thinges of deepe necessitie. I pray you remember to bring up an exact particular of the several thinges bought with that 220/, that it may bee my dis- charge to the Treasurer & his & mine to the companie to- geather. My servaunt Richard Wright living at Sagus writes to me for 5/ in monie, if you think it better or fitter then provisions for commutation to get what they neede by, I pray you you send it to him & charge mee with it here upon sight.
JOHN HUMFREY TO JOHN WINTHROP.
lb the right worahipfuU his much honoured freindes Mr, John Winthrop governour of the Coinpanie of the Massachusets & to Mr. Isaac Johnson or eyther of them.
Much honoured, — Since I last writ unto you I received these inclosed answers* from a reverend freind, whose name because hee desires it may be concealed as yet, I will not tell you, onely you may know, it is one whose person you much desire, & whose iudgment you & all men much esteeme. I confesse plainely in divers thinges I was per- swaded otherwise then. I see now some cause to stumble mee in regard of his sound pietie & deepe iudgment
* Nothing was found enclosed in this letter, as it comes down to ns. — Eds.
1G30.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 11
& long acquaintance both with the person[8,] places & studies which might enable him to a cleare discerning of the will of God in these thinges. Now the good God that hath promised to teach those that feare him in the way that they shall chuse, to guide the meeke in iudgment & to teach them his way, give you a discerning of those things that differ, & help you by his wisedome to behave yourselves wisely in a perfect way. 101 ps. And as the nature of the worke in hand & the curious inspection of the malevolent Spirits require to proceede warilie & with good examination & digestion of the best advices, which yet I will further endeavour to procure from other godly men for your helpe herein.
Such newes as is stirring I doubt not but other letters will acquaint you withall, as the proclamation of the peace with Spaine : what the conditions are in particular touching the Palatinate I yet h[ear] not : in general it is said the King of Spaine is to restore all the townes hee hath iu the Palatinate : but Mr. Peters in my last nights letters received informes mee that the Emperour deales vilie with the King of Bohemia. Dr. Laiton hath after an escape beene taken & received halfe of his censure, viz, 12 lashes with a 3 corded whip, one care cut of, one nostril slit & stygmatized in the face. Divers godly lecturers & ministers dayly are put by. Mr. Weld of Essex is now upon the stage & expects his doome. I think hee will bee easilie for us. Dr. Ames holds his first af- fections to you & the worke, notwithstanding the late neglect of him, in not giving a word eyther to him or of him. I wrote to him excusing all as well as I could, & the good man takes nothing amisse for ought I understand. Your sister Downing after a daungerous & long sickenes begins (blessed be God) to gather strength. Hasten your call to Mr. Haines, it were not amisse there were some blanke call for such as providence shall offer, & shall sticke at that knot. Mr. Downing, my selfe, & some others
12 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
have given Mr. Hooker a call lately. Ere long wee shall
see the effect of it I hope with these you will receave
my letters & bookes sent the last weeke to Barnstable for
this ship of Mr. Allerton's to carrie to you, that also
bringes the greatest part of your provisions. The Lord
ever keepe you & make his name glorious in & by you,
in whome I am
Yours what I am
Jo: H.
Lond: Dec. 18th, 1630.
I pray you as there is occasion doe for me in mine, as I shall bee & am readie to my best abilities to doe for you & yours. The providence in bringing so speedie an answer, as if windes & all meanes were commanded to ex- pedite an answer to the questions, is observable. It is not 6 weekes since the questions were sent away, & over Sea & much passage of land they are retourned answered in as little time as one would have thought they could but have reached his handes to whome they were sent. Hee who hath thus ordered it knowes the use of it.
JOHN HUMFREY TO ISAAC JOHNSON.
To the worship/uU his much honoured brother Isaac Johnson Esq,
at Charlesiowne in New England.
Dearest brother, — I cannot but take everie occasion . of writing so that you will have manie letters by the same ship from mee, in so much as (I feare) my letters may bee burthensome unto you. But I had rather exceede in all expressions of loving remembrance of you, than fall short, & rather chuse to venture to bee blamed for the excesse, then to have you & my owne hart chide mee for the least defect I writ unto you in several letters by Mr. Peirce of my poore desires & endeavours for your supplies several wayes. That of Virginia is like to hold, & I hope you will
1630.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 13
have a good quantitie of Indian come thence before May, the ship is to goe directly to Virginia about the midst of Januarie : & whereas I hoped to have had the same ship to have gone by Ireland & taken in 4 or 500 quarters of Irish come, & so to have delivered that outward bound unto you, & after to have proceeded in the Virginia designe ; I was not able, by all the meanes I could use, to get so manie to venture, as would make up this vessel a fraite of 60 or 70 tun. Mr. Craddocke indeede would have stucke by mee, & (I thinke) sent & lent 20 tun to the plantation, besides him not a man (no, not to save your Uves & the life of the worke in you) would doe anie thing to purpose. Oh my good brother there is no depending upon men, no not those who professe themselves & wee take to bee most our freindes. For if a freind loveth at all times & a brother is borne for the day of adversitie, then surely among men wee have few true freindes, or else, sometimes the dutie of love is to bee dispenced withall (at least in the fruites thereof) or else this (wherein your lives could not but bee apprehended to lie at stake & more then that too) was not the day of adversitie. Oh it is a sweete & sure thing to have all our dependance upon the faithf nines & kindnes of our loving, good & gracious God, but they that trust unto or depend upon anie of the sonnes of men, they may come to the pits, but usuallie retoume ashamed. Yet that the Lord may shew his faithfulnes in the unfaithf nines of men, hee raiseth up stones, & maketh the barren to beare us fruits of his love, whereas they whose full breasts wee depend upon will let downe no dramme or drop of needed helpe proportionable to our necessities or their engagements. I never saw so much of man, nor ever dreamed there was so little to bee had when so much might iustly bee expected as now I find. The Lord sanctifie our experience unto us & teach us that wisedome that wee may neyther bee imbittered against them, nor cruel to ourselves in depending on them.
14 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
Mr. Craddocke is verie much affected with the report of an unkindnes wherein (by consent) hee heares you were all interested ; thus he relates it. When you saw a necessitie of easing the plantation of manie eyther by sending them backe or giving way unto them to dispose of themselves, consultation was had what was to bee done touching his servants who were found to bee the worst, & complained of as the most burthensome of all the rest. To send manie of them backe was held to bee the best way, both for the plantations good & his, but because there was expectation of the retoume of his ships with provision & Cattle, Mr. Sharpe advized that it were best to deferre this, till his ships retoumed againe, least that (seeing his numbers to decrease so much, & his particular not to neede so large supplies) the plantation should loose the benefit of what helpe hee might afFoord with a purpose of supplying his owne. So that this is his collection, in that this was hearkened unto, that you cared not what burthen you laide upon, or what iniurie you did unto him so that &c. If it were thus (as report gives this, as well as other thinges that will admit a like misconstruction to be worse) I feare least hereby wee should provoke not onely those whose edge is not aequallie dulde with other mens as yet, but the Lord our God also who will not countenance anie uniust acts of his best serv^ants. And trulie of all those that here are interested in the plantation there is none that retaines so lively affections unto you as himselfe, nor that is more likely, or more able to doe us real courtesies (especiallie with the state) than himselfe, & answerablie that being provoked is like to doe us more iniurie & hurt.
Mr. Goffe stood a long while, both in his owne & other mens repute, in an ambiguous or rather desperate estate, but at length (by the favour & mercie of his creditours & God in them) obtaines hope of subsisting in his former calling. His debts from the plantation are transferd
1630.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 15
over to manie honest men (who pittying his sufferings & observing how they reflected in the general acceptation upon the plantation) have promised to lend him so much iQonie as may set him in a way of trade againe. So that it will more than ordinarilie (not onely for iustice sake (which is the cheife) but for our owne sakes) conceme us to take such a faire course with him, as unto the passionate expressions of his much distempered & much to bee com- passionated (though iustly to bee reproved) weakenesses of Spirit, wee adde not the deeper-wounding taxations of divers of our godly freindes, (who, if anie, are likely to be helpeful to us in future times concilio^ auxilio^ re)^ that are now interested in this cause. That which I labour to quiet him withall viz. Mr. Goffe, & to satisfie & assure his freindes of, is, that upon manifestation of the accounts as they truUe stand betweene him & anie of the plantation, such course will be taken by giving him speedie yea immediate content thereon (both for what was due & for the time since it was first due) as anie indiffirent men shall thinke reasonable. Now I beseech you take it so seriously to hart as wee may not staine that glorie which will bee a good defince against the stormie windes &c. as in Job's case, Samuel's, Jeremie's & others. Though there bee a Spirit in mee that (upon my sufferings from him more than anie) lusts otherwise, yet I dare not give way to it. I have parted with his house, & live now next Dr. Denisons bv Kree Church, much adoe I have to Carrie ray selfe so towards him (being ever vindicating the plantation from his & other mens charges) as to keepe anie faire quarter. I will not trouble you to relate such shrewde collections as hee gathereth from seeing how much adoe your freindes & agents here have to supply your present necessities : What (saith hee) should I have done or would they (meaning the plantation) if more cattle had come alive, or I had gone on with my Irish voiage ; hee saith they seeke evasions, not so much because hee
16 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
hath not performed his part, as because they are not able to maka good thehrs. Otherwhiles hee will speake, & hope all good of & from the plantation: but I wish there may not bee lanie occasion given from whence hee or anie may blemish our godly purposes.
The Spanish peace is concluded & proclaimed as I intimated (now I remember it) in my last weeke's letter. The Bishop of London hath silenced manic godly men of late, this last Monday Mr. Archer is by him silenced for all England, the cause is taken from his iudgment declared in a Sermon (which I thinke you heard) that wee ought not to bow our knee at the name Jesus. The least good newes from you is Uke to bring enough unto you, both men & monie ; for the present wee have resolved (taking that Coun- cel from necessitie) to leave the sollicitation of our common stocke, Mr. Downing conceaving that everie pennie now (as it were by begging) received, may hinder us it may bee pounds afterwards, which (when thinges are thriving) men will helpe on, though they will not helpe up when they are under foote. Cum fueris felix &c. nullus ad &c.* Dr. Ames, as great a blessing & blessing bringer (if his remove bee clearely warrantable) as wee could desire, continues his hartie affection to us. I received & sent last weeke that by which you will know ex ungue leonem. My dearest love unto you & Mr. Governor with all the lovers of the Lord Jesus with you. Salute I pray you all the brethren especially Mr. Dudlie, Mr. Nowel, pVIr.] Coddington, Mr. Broadistreete theirs & the rest of our godly freindes ; from your loving & deepely engaged brother
Jo: HUMFREY. LONDO. Dec. 23, 1630.
* The writer undoubtedly intended to recall the lines of Ovid (Trist i. Eleg. ix.): —
" Donee eris felix, multos numerabis amicos, Tcmporu si fuerint nubila, »olus eris.
Nullub ad atnissas ibit amicus opes.'^ Eds.
1(^J4-41.] THE WIJvTHROP PAPERS. 17
JOHN HUMFREY TO [JOHN WINTHROP].*
Much honoured, — I was both yesterday morning & night to have attended you but at both times too late. This morning I doubted I should have beene as much too earlie for you, as I was by some unexpected detention too late for my owne occasions. Yet being further neces- sitated to stay at Charlestowne, I thought good to satisfie my selfe rather then you, in revolving the cause of that diminution of your wonted respect which upon unappre- hended premisses I could not divine. So that now contrarie to my former apprehensions, I rather wonder you were not more alienated from mee, conceaving mee to be imder that guilt (which I blesse God I am not) then that you were so much. However I know your greater latitude both of parts & pietie steares your practice beyond my reach, yet why (so conceaving of mee) should you not with com- passion or feare (pulling out of the fire) explicate & set in ioint a forlome & sin deceaved wretch ? Your tender- Ties in other kindes hath sometimes manifested itselfe ; for which I have blessed God & you in my feeble expressions. The proportions of the bowels of Christ mee thinkes should have much more expresd themselves herein. And yet I must acknowledge your Joseph like tendemes in this with all due thankefulnes, both in regard of my owne particular, & my relations to our common engagements. Wherein the Lord shall be pleased to enable & enlarge mee to further expressions of thankefulnes to him & your selfe, I trust I shall studiously & sincerely endeavour to husband his grace. Onely I beseech you in the name, & for the honour of our common Saviour, not to suffer mee to goe blindfolded with the deceipts of anie sinne, where
• There is no date to this letter. It was probably written to the elder Winthrop, while Hurafrey was in New England, between 1634 and 1C41. — Eds.
3
18 THE WINTIIROP PAPERS. [ir>42.
eyther your clearer light or godly iealousies may have occasion to cxprcsse themselves. For though I know no sinne my soule desires approvingly to make anie league withall ; yet I experimentallie know my heart is despe- rately deceitful, & God the Searcher of harts can dis- cover more of mee to others, then hee may be pleased to doc unto my selfe, at least for a time. If anie such case & time fall out by the permission of God in the revolu- tion of anie of my fibrous corruptions, though you should not (which yet I ever hope you shall) have thankes from mee, yet you shall not (you know) goe without a full re- ward from him who covers a multitude of sinnes in them who seeke to reduce & save anie sinsicke soule. My paper & time (though your patience should not) confine mee. 1 am though your weake & God's wicked, yet I hope (at least out of gusts of temptations) the sincere servant of both. Jo : Humfrey.
■
My busines yesterday morning was to tender the pai- ment of that debt of love to you which you have wished to mee, viz. to supply you (if your occasions requirde) with such monies as I had to spare from my pressing necessities. Your least word or intimation shall commaund what is left.
JOHN HUMFREY TO JOHN WINTHROP JR.*
To his worthy deare friend Jo. Winthrop Esq these in hast.
Dearest & most desired Sir, — You are a thousand times wcUcome home, & should be 10000()()0()0()000(^0 times to mee if you would goe along with mee. I beseech you if you see the wind chops about contrarie, & hold tliere, come downe, I will beare your charges of the Post, & you shall
• This letter whs nddn^ssed to tlie younper Wintlirop. after Humfrey hud returned "home" in afiHction, and while the former wap temporarily in Knghuid. — Kds.
IWJ.] THE WINTHROP PAPLRS. 19
doe no worse (but as much better as you will & I can helpe it) then I. Indeede I thinke you should have beene with us before. I have laine winde bound here these 5 weekes yet not daring to budge an inch, expecting everie day our ships coming, which have laine in like case this fortnight at Cowes. But this morning the wind springs up faire, & I hope the ships will be suddenly in with us. Good deare loving Sagamore, let us have your companie if possible. If you can be helpefuU anie way to my poore familie I know you neede not be intreated. I heare they want monie. I pray speake to my good freind Mr. War- ing (to whome, with his, my best respects with all thankes • for all manner of kindnes) I know hee will not see them in miserie that are cast upon them. About sixe pounds a month I suppose will doe their turne sufficiently, the rest I would gladly should goe to the paying of debts except that which you shall neede thereof, & by vertue hereof I inable you to take for your (if) emergent necessities. With my love & my love over & over & through & through I rest
Your most affectionate foolish faithfuU
Jo : HUMFREY. Weymouth Jul. 21. 42.
20 THE WIKTIIROP PAPERS. [1627.
WILL AND LETTERS OF ISAAC JOHNSON.
WILL OF ISAAC JOHNSON.*
This is the last will and testament of mee Isacke Johnson of Boston in the Com of Lincoln esquier made the twen- tieth day of Aprill in the Third yeare of the raigne of our Soueraigne Lord Charles Kinge of England Scotland Frannce and Ireland &c beinge in some distemper of body But in good and perfect vnderstandinge and memory : fFor my soule I shall willingly resigne itt into the hands of my God thorough Jesus Crist when hee shall please to call for itt: ffor my body I leave itt to be burj^ed in the Churchyard of Boston in such maner and with such funerall expences and with such Tomb or stone to be sett over the place where my body shall lye and with such inscripcon to be wrytten thereon as shall seeme good to my executors hereafter named: ffor my temporall estate I dispose of itt in this maner followinge ffirst I giue and devise to my honourable and dearely beloved wife over and aboue the Lands already conveyed to her for her life in Joincture before our entermarryage All that wood and wood ground called or knowen by the name of Eystowe
* Hutchinson (i. 16, note) refers to a will of Johnson, ** uncnncelletl, and wliich remains on the Massachusetts files, executed April 28, in the fifth of King Charles.** It has been searched for in vain, however, since Hutchinson described it. His citations from it gene- rally correspond with the above will; and it would naturally be inferred that he had erred in the date of the execution, were tliere not a few apparent discrepancies in other respects. Hutchinson also refers to a hiter will of Johnson; probably the one copied by Mr. Savage from the " Registry of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury," and published in Mass. Hist Soc. Coll., vol. viii., 8d series, pp. 244, 245. The will here printed is valuable as furnishing information in regard to its author*s condition and circumstances before he came over to New England. — See, in relation to Johnson's M-ills, a letter of Jo: Bradinge (26 May, 1631), among the miscellaneous letters in this volume. — Eds.
1627.] THE WIjSTHROP PAPERS. 21
wood alias Eyshawe wood standing lyeing and being in Stretton in the Com of Rutland conteyninge by estyma- con betweene Eight score and Nyne score acres be the same more or lesse And also all those closes of pasture arrable or wood ground lyeing and beinge in Pickworth in the said Com of Rutland called or knowen by the name of Pickworth Stockinges all which I lately purchased to mee and my heires of George Boteler of Lee Lodge in the said Com of Rutland Esqr: To have and to hold vnto my said wife for and dureinge the tearme of her naturall life: which lands I soe bequeath vnto her in performance & satisfaccon of one obligacon made by mee heretofore to the right honourable Theophilus Earle of Lyncoln brother of my said wife or to some other to her vse wherein I stand bound in a great some of money with condicon to this purpose that I shall assure vnto or for my said wife one hundreth pounds by the yeare for her life more than her Joincture before menconed, which lands hereby devysed vnto her are of the value of six score pounds by the yeare or neare thereabouts and soe will more then performe the intencon of the said obligacon and the condicon thereof: provyded alwayes that if the said Earle of Lyncoln or such other persone or persones to whome I stand bound in the said obligacon shall not deliver the said obligacon to my executors within six monethes after my decease to be cancelled or in case the said obligacon cannot be found if then my said wife and the said Earle or such other persone or persones to whome I stand bound as aforesaid shall not within six monethes after my decease make scale and delyvcr a generall release to my said executors whereby the said obligacon may be avoyded and discharged that then this present gyfte and devise concerninge the said Eystowe wood or Eyshawe wood and the wood-ground and the said closes called Pickworth Stockinges shal be void and of none effect : and Provyded also vnder the same penalty that my said
22 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1627.
wife shall permytt and suffer such wood as is already sold to be quyetly reniooved and carryed away of from the said ground by those whoe have bought the same: Item I give and bequeath more to my said wife as a testymony of my true love and bounty towards her my lease of my howse in Boston aforesaid and three mylch beasts and three geldinges and also Three hundreth pounds of Lawfull money beinge parte of that ready money which I nowe have in my howse and also all my howshold stufFe and plate and English bookes of Dyvinyty intreatinge her to use the same to God's honour and to be helpful! to my executors in delyveringe them all my wryteinges evydences & bookes that thereby they may be enabled for the exe- cucon of this my will: Item I give and devise to my dearelv beloved and reverenced ffather Abraham Johnson esquier all that and those my manour and manours of and in Braunston alias Braundiston in the Com of Northamp- ton and all my lands tenements and heredytaments in Braunston aforesaid and in Braunston Bury in the said Com of Northampton and all my revercon and revercons thereof and also all that my manour of Glenfeild in the Com of Leicester and all my lands tenements and heredy- tiiments there To have and to hold to him mv said ffather and to his heires forever: Provyded alwaies nevertheles That if my said ffather his heires or assignes shall not well and truely pay vnto my executors hereafter named within one yeare next after the day of my decease at or in the porch of Boston Church in the said Com of Lincoln the some of Twelve hundreth pounds of lawfuU money of England That then this present gifte and devyse of mv said manours of & in Braunston and Glenfeild and all the lande and premisses there shalbe vtterly void and of none effect And then and in that case my Will is that my said executors shall have tlie said manour and lands of and in Braunston alias Braundiston and sell the same and the inlierytance thereof unto whom tliev shall
1627.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 23
thincke meete that soe they may pay themselves the said Twelve hundreth pounds with the interest thereof and delyver the overplus to my said fFather and his heires: Item I give and devise to my beloved brother Samuell Johnson eldest sonne of my said fFather by his second wife nowe lyveinge in present possession my manour of Clyps- ham in the Com of Rutland and all my messuages cottages lands tenements and heredytaments in Clypsham afore- said (which my wife holdeth not in Joincture for her life and which is not hereby in this my will given or devised to her and to John Wheeler my servant for such estates and t^armes as are herein menconed) and also the revercon and revercons of all my said lands tenements and heredy- taments with their appurtenances in Clypsham, Stretton, and Pickworth aforesaid after the determynacon or expira- con of the said tearmes & estates hereby given or devised to mv said wife and servant John Wheeler and after the determynacon of my wyves Joincture as is aforesaid : To have and to hold the said manour lands tenements heredytaments revercon and revercons to my said brother Samuell Johnson and his heires forever : Item I give & devise to my said servant John Wheeler for his faithfuU & painefull service performed to mee in my life tyme all that messuage or tenement in Clypsham aforesaid with two little closes neere vnto the same and one or two closes of arrable belongeing to the said messuage all which is reputed to be Thirty acres or thereabouts beinge nowe in the tenure of one Robert Lorrington whoe holdeth the same by lease paroU from Mr. Robert Johnson my graundfather To have and to hold the same and the rent of seaven pounds by the yeare reserved vpon the said lease to the said John Wheeler and such woman as hee shall first take to wife, for and during their naturall lyves, and the life of the longer lyver of them : Item I give to my servant Robert Dyxie for his like faithfuU service Thyrty pounds in money and to my servant Phillip Johnson
24 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1627.
fF)^ty pounds in money or one annuytie or yearely rente of Twenty nobles for and dureinge the tearme of his naturall life to be paid him vpon the fFyve and twentieth day of March and the nyne and twentieth day of Septem- ber or within ten dayes after at the Church porch of Boston aforesaid by equall porcons The first payement thereof to be made and begin vpon such other said dayes as shall next happen after the day of my decease: which said somme of fFyfty pounds or Twenty nobles by the yeare I doe hereby will shalbe paid vnto him by my executors at the choise of my said executors which they shall thincke to be meetest for his advancement: Item I give to Thomas Edgly my servant Twenty nobles and to Edward Greene my servant fFj-ve pounds and to John Ravensdale my servant Three pounds : Item I give to be bestowed for good vses as my executors and Mr. Cotton of Boston shall tliincke meete one hundreth pounds, and towards the reliefe of my poore distressed Cristian brethen in the Palatinate Twenty pounds and for the reliefe and educacon of yonge Ger- mtanes here in England I give Twelve pounds by the yeare for foure yeares : Item I give to the most worthyly honoured Lord the Lord Viscount Sav and Seale as a testymony of the due afFeccon I owe to his vertues my yonge stoned horse intrcatinge him to accept thereof: Item I give to my reverend grandfather Mr. Doctor Chaderton as a testeymony of my thanckfulnes for my educacon vnder him fFpe peices of Two and twenty shillinges a piece, and the like somme to my worthy grandmother his wife : Item I give to my beloved mother in lawe the lease of certaine lands which my fFather formerly graunted mee, which lands lye in or neere Mol- ton in the Com of Lincoln and are worth foure pounds and a noble yearely more then the rent reserved thereupon : fFor the rest of my brethren and sisters I have remembred them hereafter in this my will : Item I give to my most reverend and deare freind Mr. John Cotton Minister of
1627.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 25
Boston Thirty pounds and a gowne cloath : Item I give to my very lovinge freind John Butler of Okeham gent fFyve pounds and fForty shillinges to my good freind his wife besides the fFyve marcks by the yeare due to him by my graundfathers will intreatinge him to be helpfull to my executors in the execucon of my will as hee can: Item I give to my lovinge freind Mr. Henry Rastall of Stamford flForty shillinges and to my loving freind his wife Twenty shillinges: Item I forgive my kinsman Henry Stafford the Three score pounds and odd money due to mee as executor to my grandfather and Thirty pounds of that money which I since lent him vpon condicon that he pay Twenty pounds or Thirty pounds due besides vnto mee to my executors within three monethes after my decease : Item I give to the Towne Clerck of Stamford Mr. Richard Bucher for his former service and freindship to my grandfather and my selfe and in hope of the helpe he will afford to my executors in the execucon of this my will Twenty nobles : Item I give to my good freind Mr. Jonathan Tongue and his wife Twenty shillinges a piece : Item I give to Mr. Vicars the minister of Stamford ffyve pounds : Item I give to the old hospitall in Okeham the money that is yett to receave vpon the bonds of John Beaver, and Twenty pounds in money : Item I give and devise to my kinsman Mr. William Walker of Stamford the revercon of all my lands tenements and heredytaments in Stamford aforesaid in the said Com of Lincoln after the decease of my aforesaid ffather Abraham Johnson whoe hath the evidences thereof: To have and to hold vnto the said William Walker and his heires for ever : Provvded alwayes nevertheless that if the said William Walker shall not within two yeares next after the decease of my said ffather pay satisfy and discharge all such debts as my grandfather Mr. Robert Meadowes did owe at the tymc of his decease and which are yett vnpaid whether the same be due upon specyalty or without specyalty,
4
26 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1627.
(except such debts as were or are due by him to my said fFathcr Abraham Johnson) that then this present gyft and devise shall cease and be voyd: And then I give and devise the same revercon of the said lands to my executors and their heires To the intent that they shall sell the inherytance thereof to whome they shall thinke meete and pay the said debts due by my said grandfather Robert Meadowes and give the overplus of the money which shalbe receaved for the sale thereof vnto the said William Walker and his heires : Item vpon the said pro- viso before menconed I give to the said William Walker all such moneyes as hec oweth mee which I thincke is about thirty poundes otherwise I will that my executors dispose of it as hereafter I shall appointe: To my Co- sen Nathanael Turner I give fFyve pounds : To the poore people of Boston I give ffoure pounds and to the poore of Stamford ffoure pounds To the poore of Braunston three pounds To the poore of Clypsham fforty shillinges : and to the poore of North LufFenham fforty shillinges: All other my lands leases stattutes recognizances bonds bills debts monyes horses beasts sheepe and other goods and chattells whatsoever I give to my worthyly esteemed freinds Richard Bellingham of Boston in the Com of Lincoln esquier and to Thomas Dudley of the same Towne & Com gent whome I doe hereby make executors of this my last will and testament my will beinge herein further expressed that my said executors shall therewith iustly and truely pay my debts which I owe to every persone as the same shall growe due and that they shall pay the charge of my funerall expenses which I will shall not exceede the charge of ffifty pounds (vnles my executors shall see necessary cause to the contrary) in blacke tombe or otherwise and also that they shall pay to themselves whatsoever costs charges and expences they shall expend or be putt vnto for by reason or in respect of this my will or the probate or execucon thereof or of any
1627.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 27
thinge tending thereunto eyther in suytes at lawe or other- wise and lastly that the overplus of my said personall estate after my debts legacyes and funerall expcnces & charges shalbe defrayed shall by my said executors be equally devyded into three parts, one parte whereof I will shal be given to my said deare fFather a second parte to my beloved brethren and sister and the other third parte to my poore kindred especyally and cheifely to my grandfather John- son's brother's children And if the surplusage of the estate shall amount to Eighteene hundreth pounds I will that my Cosen John Johnson of Cambridge Stationer shall have at the least fFyfty pounds thereof: Item I give to my execu- tors for their paynes and love in takeinge upon them the execucon of this my last will and testament as foUoweth viz : To Mr. Richard Bellingham Twenty pounds by the yeare for three yeares next ensuyinge the day of my de- cease and to Mr. Thomas Dudley thirty pounds by the yeare for the like tearme and a geldinge and my bookes (except those hereafter given to my wife) for his former helpfulnes to mee and because the waight of the buisnes will most lye vpon him : And I will that my executors doe pay all the legacyes which are yet vnpaid of my grand- fathers will And that for the doeinge thereof and the pay- inge of the legacyes now given by my selfe my executors shall have a yeare and six monethes to pay them in or sooner if they can : Item I give my little English bookes of Dyvinyty to my deare wife : Also I will that all postscripts and Codicells which shall hereafter be added or annexed to this my will by mee in my life tyme shalbe my will also and shalbe of equall valydytie with this my will for- merly wrytten.
In wytnes whereof I the said Isack Johnson have to every sheete of paper wherein this my Will is wrytten sub- scrybed my name and sett to my Seale and published the same to be my Will in the presence of those whose names are vnder wrytten.
28 THE WINTIIROP PAPERS. [1625.
Postscript : Item I give the advowson and right of pa- tronage of the Rectory and parishe Church of Clipsham in the Com of Rutland vnto my afore said executors Richard Bellingham and Thomas Dudley and to Mr. John Cotton the nowe minister of Boston and to the longer
lyver of them.
Isa: Johnson.
Wytnesses of the publishing hereof
John Humfrey Thomas Hill George Clapham John Clapham.
CICELY CHADERTON* TO ISAAC JOHNSON.
To my verie loving nephew Mr. Isack Johnson at Noiili Luffenham,
(jive these.
Beloved Isaake, — My true and vnfayncd loue I com- mend to you and to the Lady your wife, for whom I cordial- ly desire that her virtue and piety may exceed her honour, and then she is truly honourable every way. Good Isaak, I haue received (partly by your letters, partly by your speech to my sclfe, to Doctour Preston, & others) many smooth and good words : now is the time you are to manifest deeds a:*quivalent, and then I shall well perceiue that it was not a bare pleasing perfume that vanisheth. I cannot expresse to you how much I was greived at the
• Cicely Ghaderton whs the wife of Rev. Lawrence Chaderton, D.D., Master of Emmiinucl College, Cambridge, — one of the Puritan divines nominated by King James to attend the Hampton-Court Conference in IOO3, and one of the translators of the Bible. He died in 1640, at a very advanced age. Abraham Johnson married, for his first wife, Anne Meadows (mother of I^anc), daughter of Robert Meadows of Stamford: his second wife was the sole child of Lawrence Chaderton, and Cicely his wife; who, therefore, was indirectly "grandmother" of Isaac Johnson, but directly of his half brothers and sister, children of Elizabeth (Chaderton) Jolinson. — Clarke's Lives, p. 146; Neal's History of the Puritans, ii. 340; Peck, Desiderata Curiosa, ii. 833, n.; Brook, Lives of the Puritans, ii. 445; Rose, Biog. Dictionary; N.E. Hist, and Gcneal. Register, viii. 359. — Eds.
1629.] THE WINTHROP PArERS. 29
hearing of your Grandfather's Will, yet (as God knoweth) not soe much for the littlenesse of legasies to your fFather, and your Brothers, as for the blemmish of his reputation, who was so eminent for wisdome and wealth. Sweet Isacke, as you loue God, and the creditt of his gospell which you professe, and mee your true loving grandmother, who doe desire your good every way, agree with your fFather without suits in law, which will be both scandalous to others, and wastfuU to yourselues. If I be put to it, I must, and will sweare truly to the articles of contract, and the note of inducement, by which I was drawne to accept of the match, which I had formerly denyed. But verbum sapienti satis.
I haue sent you one doozen of gloves, and haue payd the glover, who hath abated of the price specified in his note, viz: for two doozen of gloves with facing and fringe 505; for two doozen of plaine gloves 20s: soe you owe mee 20^, which you may give to Sam: for mee. My good will was to haue come to you with my husband, on purpose to be acquainted with my Lady your wife, but some impediments haue put it of, but not taken it away : I waite for the next opportunity and even soe, comending my selfe to your first and second selfe, I commend vs all to the gratious blessing of God in Christ Jesus, remayning while I am, or haue a beeing on earth
Your loving grandmother Cicely Chaderton.
Aug. 24 1625.
ISAAC JOHNSON TO EMANUEL DOWNING.
To my much esteem^ed worthy /rend Mr. Dovminge ait his howse in Fleetestreete neere the Cunditt give these, with Speed.
Good Mr. Downinge, — The tumultuousnes of my owne affayres uppon my cominge down was such, as I forgatt to send to you accordinge to my intention, to know when you were determined for Lincolnshire; that so I might
30 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1629.
the fittlyer haue disposed my self and my occasions, that I might haue beene wholly yours. That which then I omitted, I must endeavour to supplye att this Tyme in my entreatves to vou to send mee word when it will bee and where : If you please to send, now or att any other Tyme, any letters to one Mr. Churchill a Guttler neere Holbome Cunditt, they will be conveyed to mee. This Carier comes out of London Tuesday mominge. It had beene an excellent Tyme for Mr. Winthorpe to haue beene this Commencement att Cambridge, where I heare are manv reverend Divines, to consider of ]Mr. White's call. Lett me entreat to be remembred to him, when you haue occasion to write to him. So expecting you both heere ere it bee long, with the acknowledgment of much beholdingnes to you for many undeser\^ed fauors, I am forced to break off, restinge Your assured frend
IsA. Johnson.
Sempringham July 8, 1629.
ISAAC JOHNSON TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To ye Bight Worship/uU my much esteemed kinde Frend John Winthropj Esqr, at Groton in Suffolke giue these.
Good Sir, — I received your letter by your neighbour, whom I wellcomed into our Socict) \ Wee haue much cause to bee thanckfuU for Gods presence still with us. I was vdih Mr. Downinge this afternoone and agreed uppon the Peticon ; Mr. Edsbury wee mett withall, who hopes to gett us 20 peece of ordinance, and the Charles. Touching buyinge of Ordinance ourselves, w^ee confirred with the Master Gunner, with Capt. Waller & Cap. Venn : And upon agitacon wee finde that the new mettle will quickly heate and reverse, so that we are quite off them, saue only for a Drake or 2; what is determined about them I refer to Mr. Pinchons narracon who hath beene imployed in the worke since.
1629.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 31
Touching Mr. Hooker, we are not yet resolved what to doe, saue only to write to him, or goe to him, to see whether hee entends to goe or write, that wee may doe accordingly. Dr. Ames would haue the like respect, as Mr. Cotton well remembers us off. If others may accom- pany him, my brother Samuel would bee one, who hath beene in those parts with Dr. [tom'] before. Your sonn would doe very well to bee one b[ut] I feare we cannot spare him because he is to studdy [tom'] [an]d Gunnery heere for after imployment [obliterated^ ex[cept] that jour- ney would helpe forwards that: That your [tom'j take uppon us to dispose both of you & youi's att [torn] lea- sures for the publique. He is a very ingenious Gentle- man and I am perswaded will be of speciall vse to the Plantation. Wee haue writt a letter to Sir N. Rich to gett a letter from him to Capt. Gosnall, that your sonn may by his meanes take a veiw & plott of Harwich fort for us ; for which I pray you lett him haue Tyme, & the Company will be thanckfull ; and Ictt him come up agayne as soone as may bee. I received notice from Leicester that diuerse Christians are thinckinge to come from thence, and about Manchester one Mr. Roote a Godly minister & able (if hee had a call,) & 40 with him. Leicester men desire him for their minister. I haue wrote word that if those 2 places can make a Congregacon they may haue him. They sent up a dozen or 13 Queres which haue beene answered.
Touching Mr. Peters your caution is good, but I hope wee shall give you coutent, that his place will not be unsupplyed, nor his coming over offensive nor dangerous. I shall, (God willing) speake to Mr. Goffe about the cowes & Mr. Wright about the caske & provisions to supply vs &c. For my modesty (as you call it) it is just as I find needfull to write off, that you may pray for mee the more, and expect the less ; yet what I am I a[m] Yours
Isa: Johnson.
32 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1629.
[P.S.] We had a Court on Tuesday att which was 3 or 4 howres debated whither those that added to their subscrip- tions before should haue it now fully ended, and after 3 or 4 houres strong debate it was concluded against them. So as now wee shall I hope goe securely on with the marchants. Mee thincks 1 ended soe abruptly with my paper without expression of lone & affection answerable to the receipt of yours. But I am weary & not very well, therefore entreat you to supply it out of the abundance of yours. I haue sent Sir Nath. Rich his letter for your Sonne, which I hope is sufficient. I hope hee will sufficiently informe himselfe of the dimensions of the Fort and all things about it, as, likewise, of what severall matterialls, what kinde of earths or wood the severall parts are framed off. It is likely he may inquire of some thereabouts, labourers, or artificers or artists, that helped to make it. Let him take speciall notice of the thicknes of the walls, where the ordinance is layd forth and how long our ordinance had neede to bee in that regard, & send what speedy word may bee with conveniency.
17 Decr. 1629.
For that wee are advized by some to haue all our ordinance 8t foote & a half from the base hoope to the muzzell, others and the most to haue none vnder 9 foote to bee so measured, in regard that otherwise they will bee in danger to throw downe the walls of the Fort. But heres the difficulty, heere are some, I thinck enough, of 8t foote & of 8t and a half uppon the Tower hill, but those of 9 will hardly or not att all bee gott for the first vioage, so that wee are att a great loss ; For some thinck better carry but a few now that are fitt & reserue the others for the last ships, then to carry vnscruiceable ones ; & others thinck better to carry our number, for the feare and noyse of them may doe us good; & they may hereafter serve for some use. Thus you see how hardly I was drawne on this side my paper, & yet now how prolix I am. Pray send us your opinion of this, for it much stumbles us. &c.
•
1630.] THE WINTHROP* PAPERS. 32*
B G TO ISAAC JOHNSON.
To the WorshipfuU his assured loving freind Mr. Isaac Johnson
dlr the is.
WoRTHiE Sir, — I receaued your kind letter, bearing date xijth of August, for which I hartily thancke you, that in the midst of your great trobles (the which I assure my self are verie many,) you will let your penn loose to declare to your flfreinds that they are not forgotten. But since the arrival of your letter I haue herd of your heavie- nes, for which with you I bare my share, but I trust that that wilbe an occasion of our seeing you heere in old England the sooner. Sir, ther is litle or nothing that is worthie of newes, but that all things are as you left them, & rather worser then any whit amended, the Gent : are still in prison, and tossed from the Kings Bench to the gate howse in Westminster, & from thence to the K. Bench againe : all this since Midsomer last. Vppon Sab- both day last the Articles of Peace with Spaine w^eare swome to in great state (as I am informed of) in the Chappell at Whitle-Hall, the which at this presente 1 can- not send, in that they are kept soe close : and ther was a verie great feast made for the Ambessadour, which cost 7000/, but instead of cupbords of plate, which it was vsuallie to be set forth at such tymes, ther weare cupbords of glasses for them, &c.
Yesterday, the Earle of Castle-Haven was committed to the gate-howsp, close prisoner, (whoe is Jesuitted,) for fowle oflfences, as I am informed ; for noe lesse then bugger ie, and for comanding his owne dafter and his ladie for to prostrate themselues to his owne favorite, (one Mr. Skip- with) whoe is likewise committed to the King s Bench, and all these & far worser practises came to be made knowne to the king, by the peticion of his daughters hus-
32* THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
band. Thus with a harty desire for a blessing on all your enterprises, at this tyme doe take my leave, remayneing Yours to be commanded both in private & publique,
B: G:*
Cliff: I[nne,] 6*: Dec: 1630.
I pray present my service to Sir Rich : Saltonstall, witK my prayers for him & his ; and if ther be one Mr. Ludlowe neare you, I pray remember me to him, & let him knov^e his brother is in helth.
* This letter seems to be signed B: G:; but we know not for what name those initials stood. Possibly the letters were intended for B : P : The arms on the seal are those of the Burrell Family, of Bromo Park, in Northumberland, and also of Dowsby, Lincoln- shire, and Ryhall, in the county of Rutland. Richard, the fourth son of William, Lord Say and Sele, and brother to the Countess of Lincoln, married Margaret, the daughter of Abraham Burrell of Wisbech, in the Isle of Ely; and it is probable that the writer of the letter was thus connected with the family of the Earl of Lincoln, into which Isaac John- son had married. The letter evidently alludes to the death of Lady Arbella Johnson ; but, like the letter of Humfrey with which this volume opens, it was written in ignorance that Isaac Johnson himself had died more than two months before its date; so slow was the transmission of tidings across the ocean in those days. It may be well to add, that the handwriting is not that of Brampton Gurdon, with the initials of whose name the signa- ture would seem to correspond. — Eos.
1627.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 33
LETTEEIS OF EMANUEL DOWNING*
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
I A M glad to heare of my sisters recouerie : I thank God wee are all in good health here and at my brother Fones.
The Master of the wards is oflfered Sr. Needham's Land by Needham, whither I went once with your selfe to see your kinswoeman, he entreates you send him word what valew yt is per annum, and whither likely to be improved or no, how wooded &c.
There is noe newes from the Duke only this that the ffbrt is neither taken nor releived.
The Earle of Holland is going over to him with 6000 men, whereof 2000 out of England, 2000 out of Scotland and 2000 out of Ireland.
Tilly is gotten into the King of Denmark's Country where the King is putt to the worst, and in danger to be over- thrown yett is he not pittyed here at Court, because (say they) he useth not our men well.
The Spaynyard hath sent about 16 ships to the Hand of Shethland where the great herring fishing is, where they landed 500 men and haue taken manie of the ffishers netts and BufFes and done great spoyle to the great hindrance
* Emanuel Downing was a lawyer of the Inner Temple, London. He had married Lacy Winthrop, the sister of our Governor; by whom he had several children, the eldest of whom was afterwards known as Sir George Downing, English ambassador at the Hague. Emanuel came over to New England in 1688. There were few more active or efficient friends of the Massachusetts Colony during itn earliest and most critical period. — Eds.
5
34 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1628.
of the ffishing. Thus with my Dewty to my mother and trow love to your selfe and all yours I rest
Your loving brother Em: Downinge.
London 31 August 1627.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
My good brother, — I am glad to heare of your be- gynning to amend. I doubt your advise in surgery is not soe good as you may haue here if you will come ere yt be to late.
The lower house of Parliament haue adioumed the Parliament till Thursday next, but the Committees of particular referments meet dayly, they haue made an order that he that shalbe wanting one thursday next shall for- feyte 10/.
They are agreed to give the King 5 subsedyes for present supply, soe as our persons and goods be freed, and that there be noe more ceassing of souldiers nor pressing of soldiers to serve beyond the seas against theire wills . Some other good lawes for rehgion and the statuts to be putt in execucon against the papists; what the successe hereof wilbe, manie men yett arc in doubt; the Judges in the King's Bench doe disclayme the judgement, and doe lay all the fault one the Attomie generall;
You shall receive hereinclosed a speach published abroade supposed to be spoken to the King;
1000 Dutch horse are dayly expected, whereof newes cam last night that 300 of them are landed.
I pray thanke my brother Gostlyn for his paynes to Mr. Lynn of his serving the Inivnction, I doubt Mr. Lynn will force me to make affidavit, I pray entreate my brother Gostlyn to keepe the copie of the Inivnction. Thus long expecting your coming, with my dewty to my good mother
1628.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 35
and my trew love and respect to your selfe, my sister, my brother Gostlyn and his wife and all yours and all at Mr. Gourden's I rest leaving you and your afFayres to God's blessing, Your loving brother Em: Downinge.*
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his louinge ffrind John Winthropj Esq, at Grroton, these dlr,
Suff.
My good brother, — I am glad you retorned home soe well, and founde them soe there. The newes yeasterday vpon the exchange was, that the Dutch haue taken the second parte of the Spaynishe plate ffleete.
One Monday morning the Parliament mett, and present- ly soe soone as they were sett there came a messenger Mr. Maxwell of ye bedchamber, from the King, to dissolve the howse, Mr. Litleton tendred a Demonstrance to the Speaker to be read, he refused, the howse comaunded him, he weepes and offers to goe out of the chayre, he was by force kept in, manie cryed out with him to the barr and choose an other in his place, they comaunded the Serieant to lock the dore, ere the Messenger entred, he durst not, vp riseth a Burgesse and offers his service, they all willed him lock the dore and bring away the key, they comaunded the Clarke to reade yt, he answeared that he was to reade nothing but what was past and entred in the booke, then Mr. Litleton goes into the next roome and bumes the Demonstrance, vp riseth Hollace one of the lord of Clare's sonns, and declares to the howse the somme and heads of ye Demonstrance, to this effect ; that all those are enemyes to this Church and Commonwealth that seeks to bring in these new opynions, and that those
■ ' T -^ — ____ _^_
* This was evidently written in London, aLK)Ut 1628. — Eds.
36 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
Merchants shalbe reputed enemyes to this state that shall yeald tounadge and poundadge before yt be graimted in Parliament. And the Conclusion was most sharpe and cruell against the lord Treasurer and the Bishop of Wynchester.
One Tuseday Mr. Seldon, Mr. Litleton and 3 more were sent to the Tower, Sir Peter Heymond and 2 others to the Gatehowse, 8 more sent for ; all are close prisoners that are comitted, Mr. Seldon's study is sealed vp. This morning I was told that there be 2 barges attending at Whytehall to carry some noblemen to the tower, and that the Custom howse dores are shutt vp, for that the officers dare not sett to demaund Custome. I heard yeasterday at Charing Crosse that the Customers of Lynn were beaten out of the Custom howse. The good Lord torne all to a good yssue. Soe mth myne and my wives dewty to my mother with our love to your selfe and my good sister &c. I rest your verie loving brother Em : Downinge.
6 Mrtij. 1628.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his loving Cosen Mr. John Wynthroj) at Groton in Suffolke.
Good Cosen, — I haue agreed with Dr. Wright for 4600/ for the sale of Groton as per this enclosed, you may perceiue ; for 850/ of this purchase. Dr. Wright is to assigne over a manour worth 50/ per annum, which lyeth nere Harwich in Essex. I pray send to see yt for yf yt shall not be thought fitt for my sister, then hee will at a reasonable day pay the monie.
I expected this week the writings concerning Groton, but you sent only the last Conveyance and the Parsons lease, I pray bring vp with you all the writings concerning that purchase except your Court Roules which may be delivered in the Countrye ; among your writings be sure
1630.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 37
that you fynd out the Graunt from the King, next the Conveyance from Adam W: to John W. then the Dedes from John W. to your flFather and my brother Fones and what other Deedes you haue concerning your woods, for this deede you sent me vp mentioneth but 40 acres of wood, soe yts supposed that the rest of the woods were bought of some private men and not from the king.
You wilbe expected here on Wednesday or thursday next at furthest, and as you come leave all your writings with my Cosen Gary Mildmay at Marks for Mr. Wright of Romford is to draw the Conveyance, which wee hope to finishe next weeke and to receiue the monie ; bring vp with you this enclosed noate.
If you shall mislike this agreement with Dr. Wright, you shall be at libertye to sell yt to any other that will give you more for yt, noe man here hath ofFred soe much by 200/, if you resolve to proceed herein, I pray come speedyly vp for I shall doe nothing without you therein, this buisines only keepes me in towne.
As you come bring me Mr. Tyndall's letter for approba- tion hereof, otherwise yt wilbe further delayed, here is noe newes yet from New England, soe with my wives and my trew love to your mother your selfe &c I rest your loving vncle Em. Downinge.
2do JULIJ, 1630.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his verie loving brother John Winthrop Esqr, Oovemour of the Plantaconj in Mattachitsetts, New England.
My good brother, — Sithence my last 3 letters sent you by Mr. Peirce, I haue received yours per the French Ship dated the 9 of 7ber.
Herewith is sent you a dedimus potestatem to acknowledge an other flFyne of Groton, and a deed to leade the vse thereof, because the fFyne you acknowledged before you
38 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1630.
went hence was not well drawne nor sufficient for vs to sell your land, and my sister must stay here vntill the dedimus be retourned back, soe that I feare my sister cannot departe hence vntill the Spring then following, yet shee is verie willing to haue gone this next Spring if this occasion had not hindered hir.
I know not how to expresse my thankfulnes suffitiently for the constant continewance of your love to me euerie way soe plentifully expressed, among the rest, for your care in providing my howse, I shall desire to hasten over soe soone as the Lord shall open me the way, which I hope wilbe ere long.
Our freinds here, yea those of best Judgement, wishe you bestowe not much cost in bidlding where you are, but doe advise that you doe speedily send about the discouerie of some fitter place, more to the South, where you may enioye greater comfort in respect of milder winters and fruitfuUer and earlyer harvests, with more safety from forreign Invasions: yts certeynly enformed here that soe litle Sowthward as the Narraganses, there is farr lesse cold and snow then where you are, but if yt be trew that IVIr. AUerton reports of Hudson's river, there is noe place comparable to yt for a plantacon, and t'will quitt cost for you to remove thither, though all be lost in the place where you are, for he sayth that Hudsons river goes into Canada and those 2 make New England an Hand, if this be trew yts like they meet in the great lake, and soe may Merrymack ; I feare the want of provisions haue hindred your discoueries, this yeare, but I hope you shall haue noe such impediment hereafter.
Wee haue peace with Spayne as per the proclamation you shall perceive, which wilbe some advantadge to your plantacon, for you may henceforward haue wheat for 2s the Bushell and all sorts of Cattle (cheaper then I wrote that Capten Powell would afoard them) from the Terceras Hands whence I trust you shall receive some verie shortly.
1631.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 39
whereof I meane, God wiUing, to write at lardge in my next letters : thus with my wives and my love to your selfe. Sir Richard, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Dudly, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Wilson, &c. I leave you to the proteccon of the Almighty, and rest your verie loving brother
Em: Downinge.
80. lOber 1630.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
lb his verie loving brother John Winthropj Oovernour of tlie
plantation in the Maitachusetts Bay.
My good brother, — Your last letters which cam this passadge with Mr. Peirce (though they brought the newes of Mr. Johnsons and some others death) haue much refreshed my hart and the myndes of manie others, welwishers to the good worke you haue vndertaken, for much more was feared, then the good Lord through his mercy hath laid vpon you, in that soe few haue dyed, and that now there is hope you wilbe able to subsist and pro- ceede to lay the foundacon of a plantacon, whereas yt was the iudgement of most men here that your Colonye would this winter be dissolved, partly by death through want of ffbod, bowsing and rayment, and the rest to retome or to flee for refuge to other plantacons : but blessed be God that hath maynteyned his owne Cause and preserved you aUve to helpe further forward this great worke.
I am glad you haue begunn to remove and plant some what higher vp the river into the land among the woods, I meane at Watertowne. It is my dayly prayer that the Lord would give me leave to goe vnto you, which I hope wrlbe next Spring, Vhi animus ihi homo. You haue my hart, and I doe mynd nothing for this world more then to prepare for my goeing vnto you, and when I shall see
40 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1631.
the Lords Providence opening my way, I shall make litle stay here. I thank you most kindely for your letters, booke and plotts ; tis tearme, and I haue had yet scarce tyme to peruse your letters and plotts; I must be trouble some to you about my cattle and come, whereof my Cosen Winthrop writes vnto you ; I pray excuse me that I write noe newes herein, for I haue not tyme, but this rest assured of that you may be secure from any trouble from Spayne or France, for they haue theire hands full here, soe with my comends to all my freinds, with my wives and my dayly prayers for you, I rest yours E. D.
30 Apb. [1631.]
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his lovinge cousin John Wynthropp Esqr at New-Englande^
these ddd.
Loving Cosen, — Yours at your departure from the waterside I receiued, and sent lettres, supposing they might haue overtaken you there, but coming short, they were safe retorned to me againe. Of the himdreth and thirty /» you left with me, I paid my Awnt Branch 10/f for hir last quarteridge ; 5li for my Cosen Dudlye to my lord Sayes kinsman, of whom he borowed yt to beare his chardges hither, and 15li more I haue laid out for him in clothes and some other necessaries ; what other chardge I shalbe at to fumishe him I yet know not I wilbee as fnigall as I can therein, and soe I perceive himselfe wilbe. My brother and sister Paynter were at my howse since your departure, they tell me they are in hope to gett the lOOli of the lady Moodam. I perceive they hope you will stay till yt be recorded there, otherwise you must write earnestly to them.
1632.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 40*
I pray lett me know what I am growne in debt there, that I may cleare reckonings with my brother. Thus in hast, with my love to your selfe and your wife, my cosens Elizabeth and Mary Winthrop, I rest
Your louing vnckle Em : Downinge.
2* 9^ 1631.
I
This morning about 5 a clock, the Queene was delivered of [a] girle,* which was presently after baptised, because yt cam before the tyme, and was verie sick.
The King of Sweaden mustered his armye after he had retomed from the pursuite of his victorie, to vnderstand what men he had lost, and found his army to be 25000 men, soe he [found f] 7000 more then when he begann the battle. He hath 3 other armyes ioyned to him, where- 'of 20,000 are sent to subdew Bavaria, and 20,000 into Sileatia, and the rest for the setling of the Palsgrave in his countrye, and himselfe with his 25,000 men are gone to •Frankford vpon the Meyne, which if he takes, he is to be King of the Komanes, by the Emperiall law : he was with- in 5. myles when this newes cam from him, and the generall opinion is that the citty dares not refuse his first somons.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
2b Aw very louinge coasen Mr. John Winthrop at the MaUachusetts,
these cUr in New England,
CosEN Winthrop, — I am very glad to heare of your health and welfare, and well likinge of the plantation. Though the tyme be soe busie with me, and that I had
* Maiy Stuart, daughter of Charles I., afterwards wife of William, Prince of Orange, and mother of William III., King of Great Britain. — Eds. t The word in brackets is imperfectly erased. — Eds.
40* THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1^32.
but a very shorte warninge of this shipps suddaine goe- inge, yet I chose rather to write a little, then not at all, and being tired out in writinge to your father, I was glad to haue helpe to write vnto you.*
I thanke you for your advice about my cattell, I cannot here prouide such seruants as I would, of a sodaine, there- fore for the present I haue agreed with Mr. Dillingham to take my cattell and keepe them, winter and sommer, for the third of the increase, yet with this condition the bar- gaine is made, that vnlesse my brother Winth: doe ap- proue thereof, its not to stand ; and for my swyne I was to haue of Mr. Allerton, being 4 sowes, Mr. Dillingham will fetch them and put them out, to be kept for me, for halfes. Concerning myne owne particular account with my brother Winthrop, I must needs referre it to my next writinge, for I haue bin all this sommer in the contrie, and came home but iust to the Terme, and did not dreame of this sodaine going of this shipp, but made account to haue had tyme to consider thereof after this terme. But conceminge my brother Winth : monies receiued by me, I haue here inclosed sent you the true accompt, of the last lOOli paid by Mr. Warren, I directed my brother Kirby to receiue 500/i, because of his better leisure then myne, for the paying out of the same, accordinge to your occasions, which you may perceiue by the accompt, for a good parte of it is made by him, the rest is laid out by my selfe.
As concerning Mr. GofFe, he refuseth to receiue his monie according to my brothers last direccions, sayeing there is much more due vnto him. I praye send me ouer this acquittance signed and sealed by your father and yourselfe, with whome I am in parte agreed. flFor my Sonne James, I am sorrye to see that he writes a worse hand, and more nonsence, in his last letters, then in the
* Downing appears to havo employed an amanuensifl in writing this letter. —Eds.
1632.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 40^
letters I receiued a yeare since. I doubt there is noe hope of his attaininge to any learning, therefore if he hath a mind to husbandry, or may be fitt to truck, and playe the marchant, and his likinge stand there vnto, I would gladly know it, that accordingly he might spend his tyme therein, for I thinke the tyme lost that he goes to schoole, and therefore take him from schoole, and let my brother Winthrop ymploye him as his seruant, as he shall thinke fitt. I sent my brother Winthrop a letter, written at the Hage from the Germane lately come from you ; * by Mr. Humfryes conveyance. I sent my brother Winthr: a staffe with a rapier in it, and a pistoll you left behind, by Mr. Winslowe.
The Plymouth trucking howse that was robbed was done, not by the French, but by some English, theire names I knowe not Conceminge the keepinge of your cattell in the winter, I suppose, had you vnderwoods, as we haue in England, you should need howse none but such as you would vse about your house for milke.
I haue written to my brother Gostlyn to prouide you menSand maid seruants against the springe. My brother Gostl : I suppose cannot come ouer this yeare, neither is his wife willinge, vntill he hath prouided a stock of cattelL
The cloth you desire from him will not be sent vntill the springe, neither could it be made ready against this shipps going, for we had scarce a weeks warninge of it.
flFor Newes ] Sergeant Finch, Recorder of London, is dead, and Mr. Littleton in his place. Judge Haruie and Judge Whitlock are dead, and Sir Robert Bartlet and Ser- geant Crawley in theire places. Sir Thomas Wentworth, the President of Yorke, is going Deputie into Ireland, where Sir Franc : Angier is lately dead, and one Mr. Rat-
• Probably JoUt WeUlust, the Sarveyor>f Ordnance of the MassachosetU Colony, (1630 and 1681), who returned to Germany in July, 1632. — Eds.
40** THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1632.
cliff of Grayes Inn, a kinsman of the Deputy, is named to be Master of the Roles there: my father in lawe. Sir James Ware * is lately dead. We haue had here a very ynseasonable cold summer, soe that the come in the north parts did hardly ripen this yeare. About Whitsontide last there was many sore stormes, whereby many sheepe and lambs were killed. The Staffordshire men doe very much complaine of the vsuall buminge heath, growing and not cut downe, in theire contrie, alledginge that it is the cause of much raine amongst them ; and if there come a parliament they intend to preferre a bill to preuent the buminge of theire contrie in that kinde.
I haue sent you some bookes of newes, I would haue sent you more, but that by direction from the Lords, the printers were restrayned from printinge any more.
In the Lowe Contries there is great hope that the States of Holland wilbe lords ouer the 1 7 Prouinces very shortly, for diuerse Lords and Townes haue revolted from the Kinge of Spaine, and joyned themselues to the States; ffor the Kinge of Spaine will not be able to maintaine his warre there ; being depriued of his wonted pasAiges through Germany and France.
The Kinge of Spaine, as is generally beleiued, stands nowe at a lower ebb then when Q : Elizabeth dyed ; his
* Sir James Ware, who (we thus loam for the first time) was tlie father of Emanuel Downing's first wife, was knighted by James I., and was a member of the Irish Parlia- ment in 1618. He married Mary, the sister of Sir Ambrose Briden of Maidstone, Kent His eldest SOD, Sir James, was the author of Works coocemlug Ireland (translated and pub- lished in two folio volumes by Walter Harris, Dublin, 1764), which secured him the title of the Irish Camden. He was one of the Privy Council in 1680, and declined a peerage before his death in 1666. (Sir James Ware's Works conceming Ireland, vol. ii., second part, p. 148; Thane's British Autography, vol. ii. p. 88.) Downing's children by his first wife, Anne Ware, were James, Mary, Susan, and perhaps Anne ; Sir George being the eldest child of his second marriage in 1622. The following entry in the Parish Register of the church of St. Lawrence, in Ipswich, Suffolk County, England (furnished us, while these pages are going through the press, by our Corresponding Member, Mr. H. G. Somerby), seems to fix the date and place of Emanuel Downing's own birth, unless there were two of the same name and period : " 1686, Emanuell the sonne of George Downing, bapt. ye 1 of January." George, the father, describes himself in his will, proved 3d October, 1611, as a schoolmaster of Ipswich. — Eds.
1632.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 40*
necessities hath put him vpon strainge exegents for monie ; the Spanish Inquisicion hath seised vpon many rich men, and burnt them for Heritiques, whereby theire Kinge hath gott all theire estate : the Kinge hath alsoe seised vpon the treasure and plate of diuerse manasteries in Spaine, to support him in his warrs.
The Kinge of Sweden goes on very prosperously, and carries all before him in Germany : there is newes lately come that he hath ouer throwne the Duke of 'Fridland, the Emperours Generall, which if it be true, he will make a shorte worke of the warrs in Germany.
You haue a litle bird in your contrie that makes a hum- minge noyse, a little bigger then a bee, I pray send me one of them ouer, perfect in his fethers, in a little box.
I praye excuse me for not writinge to my cosen Dudly, and thanke him for his kind letter. Remember my loue to his father and mother, himselfe and his wife, my cosen Feaks and his wife, Mr. Pincheon, Mr. Wells, Mr. Wilson and theire wiues, and I pray tell James D. that he writt such a scriblinge nonsence letter, that I am ashamed to answere it Thus with my harty loue to yourselfe and your good wife, I take leaue and rest
Your very louing vncle Em: Downinge.
NoUEMBES the Txi^ 1632.
Mall remembers her to you and* your wife, and her cosen Feaks, and her cosen Dudly, and his vnfe ; soe doth the scribe.*
Indorsed by J. Winthrop, Jr., " My vncle Downinge. Reed. Feb : 23 : 1623." [32]
*^ These letters per the ship, Mr. Trevore, master, Mr. Hatherly, merchant, arrived at New-Plymouth."
* The scribe was eyidently Edward Howes, many of whose own letters to John Win- throp, Jr., will be found in the latter part of this volume. — Eds.
40/ THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1633.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
lb his very huinge cosen Mr. John WirUhrop at the MaUachuaetts
in New England these dlr.
My good Cosen, — fFor want of other matter to write of, I thought fitt to put you in mind of your promise that you would see vs againe within a yeare ; and now I must tell you that it were good you did come if you expect your hundred pounds from my brother Paynter,* for I doe not perceive that they make account to paye it ; and if you come you may see your father's busines setled with Mr. Tindall ;t who as I heare hath purchased some land, to the value of about three score pounds a yeare, at Codenham in Suff: nowe if my sister likes well of her beinge in New England, I knowe noe reason whie she should desire to laye out monie vpon any more land here; being soe remote from that place where she meanes to settle herselfe and her posteritie ;* should I come & line there, as I <}esire to doe if God lend me life and health, I should not wish to haue any of my estate remayninge here ; but herein I must check myself, in that I giue councell and advice before I am called thereto; howe soeuer I should be glad these occasions might caifse you to make a visit of vs here ; for many of your frinds would be glad to see you, which
• Rev. Henry Painter, of Exeter, one of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1644-5 had married the widow of Thomas Fones, whose first wife was a sister of Got. Wiothrop and of Emanuel Downing*8 wife. He is thus called " my brother Paynter " by Downing. — Eds.
t Deane Tindal, Esq., son of Sir John Tindal, knight, and brother of Margaret Win- throp, the wife of the Governor, who followed him to New England. Governor Winthrop says, in a will drawn up in 1639, but which was revoked in 1641, " For my dear wife, who hath been a faithful help to me, though / Ufi an estaie for her in England^ &c.** This estate was left in the charge of her brother Deane, to whose investment of it Downing here refers. — Eds.
1633.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 41
would be a meanes to encourage some to remouc hence to your plantation, It would be noe disadvantage to you for you to spend a winter here, when as you may retome the begininge of the springe : Soe for this tyme with my loue to your selfe and your wife, my cosen Feakes and his wife, my cosen Dudley and his wife, Mr. Dudley, Mr. Pincheon & Mr. Nowell ; Mr. Wells and Mr. Wilson, Mr Collier, Mr. Staughton & Mi*. Samford, I take leaue and rest
Your very louinge vncle
The 18th of June 1633. Em: DowNIKGE.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his verie louinge nephew Mr. John WlrUhrop the yonger at Boston in ye Mattachusetts Bay in New England these cUr. Giue these letters to Richard McAndrew,
My good Cosen, — I haue written thrice to you since I had any passage thence, except those drowned letters which came per Mr. Pierse. By this shipp I sent your father ouer a furnace for brewinge or boylinge salt or sope &c. Since the shippinge thereof I haue caused another to be made which Sir K. Saltonstall, hath bought on me, for the price I paid the workeman, but he should not haue had the same, had he not promised to send it to the plantation ; which accordingly he hath done. No we had I knowne the ship would haue stayed soe longe at Graues end I would haue assigned this to you and let him had the other. I haue promised Sir R: you shall direct his man howe you shall vse it, which he needed not haue requested from me, for that I knowe you would most redily haue yeilded therevnto of your selfe. I shall desire much to heare that you doe hitt right in the vse of it I haue scene the tryall of it here both with seacoale & charcoales, therefore I doubt not but you will fall vpon the true practise of it.
6-
42 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1635.
Our frinds at Groton and Chensey are all well; our Bishop of London is made Bishop of Canterbury ; it is not yet knowne who shall be of London.
What course you wUl take for your 2001. due vnto you from my brother Painter, though I heare some tymes from him, yet I heare not a worde of any such monie to be due vnto you. Tis longe since we heard from you. See desiring good news thence with my daylie prayers for you & yours with my loue to yourselfe & your good wife I take leaue and rest Your louinge vncle
The 13th of Aug. 1633. Em: DowNINGE.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.*
2b Ms loving Cosen John Winthropj Esqr. at Mr. OosUins in Oroion haU, SuffdOce. dd.
My good Cosen, — Mr. Sheapheard was with me yeas- terday, to enquire of your estate, whereof I could give him noe accoimt, he prayed me to write vnto you thereof, and desires that you would retome an answeare thereto this weeke, if you come not your selfe speedyly back: he would know your present estate in possession, and what in future you expect from your father, for this wilbe demanded of him, before he can conclude any thinge for you. And yts good reason you should satisfie him herein, because noe man that knowes you not, will parte with his child, till he know how shoe shall be provided for to live in the world.
This day my brother Kirby cam to me to tell me that Mr. Atwood the leather seller was with him, to give him notice that you should walk waryly and close because there
* John Wiothrop, Jr., was at this date in England. His name, and that of Elizabeth, his second wife (whom he married while abroad), are entered ** 10th July," 1685, as having embarked in the ''Abigail.** They arriyed in October, **ten weeks from Plymouth.'* Elizabeth was daughter of Edmand Reade, Esq., of Wickford, Co. Essex, whose widow married Hugh Petor, and whoso third son, Col. Thomas Reade, commanded a regiment in the civil wars, and was associated with Gen. Monk at the Restoration. — Eds.
1636.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 43
be some that laye wayte to attach you. Mr. Winsloe lyes still in prison, and is like soe to continew, for I doe not heaie when the lords will nieete againe for plantation buisines.
I do heare there will goe at least 20 ships this yeare to the plantation, there is one at the Customes howse apoynted to receive Certificates and give discharges to all such as shall goe to the plantation, some that are goeing to New England went to him to know what they should doe, he bad them bring him any Certificate from IVIinister, ChArch wardens or Justice, that they were honest men and he would give them theire pass ; they asked him what subsedy men should doe, he answeared that he could not tell who were subsedy men, and would discharge them vpon theire Certificates ; soe with my love to yourselfe my brother Gostlyn and his wife I rest. Yours whilest I am
25 Mtu, 1635. Em. Downinge.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To my verie loving Oosen John Winthrqp, the yonger^ esqr. ai
Boston — dlr.
My good Cosen, — I haue received 3 letters from you, the first of the 9th of 9ber, thother 2 of the 12 and 15 of Januar. Thanks be to God for your safe arivall after soe tedious a passadgc. I hartilye thank you for the kynde oflferr of your howse, but because I cannot yet resolve of my coming this yeare I pray dispose of yt to your best advantadge. I am advised not to make choyse of any place for my selfe vntill I come there. I haue sent you butter, suett and other things, by this shipp, for the par- ticulars thereof I refer you to my wives letters. Sir Arthur Hesilrigg refuseth to deall for Capten Endicotts howse, because as he sayth the merchants telleth liim, the howse is theirs, and built with theire monie &c. as I wrote vnto
44 THE WINTHROP FAFEBS. [1636.
himselfe. Your mother Peters hath paid me 40Z, which I haue laid out for you and almost as much more : shee en- tends to pay you the rest soe soone as shee can possiblic, which I feare wilbe nere Christide ere shee can performe yt. I perceive shee stands verie well affected to you, but as yet cannot doe as shee would for you.
I hartyly thank you for the manie good directions in your letters to me. And for my brother Gostlyn if possiblye I can I will helpe him over; and the rather because his goeing may cause my wife more willinglie to listen therevnto. Shee feareth much hardshipp there, knd that wee shall spend all, ere wee be setled in a course to subsist even for foode and rayment. I pray in your next write hir some encouradgement to goe hence vnto you. Tom Goade sent his letters out of Spayne which I haue received and delivered, but himselfe is gone with that shipp into the Streights, soe I hope he will prove a Sea man. Ben Gostlyn is like to prove a proper Sea man, he is retomed out of the streights and gone to Sea againe, his master vseth him like a sonne, and the youth would not change his course of life for any other. So soone as he shalbe out of his tyme, he entends to see New England.
Having written more at lardge to my brother Winthrop whereto I refer you, with my love to your selfe and second selfe, leaving you and your occasions to the blessing of our
good God I rest
Yours assured Em: Downinge.
lo Mabtu 1635.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
My good Cosen, — Yours of the 24 of 8ber last I re- ceived, and doe hartily thank you for your relation of Connecticott, but you wrote not, where your selfe entend to setle. ffor your Account the last yeare I laid for you as I then wrote, 103Z. Is. 2d. whereof I received last yeare of
1636.] THE WIKTHROP PAPERS. 45
Dr. Reade 50Z, of my brother Gostlyn 21 more, since of Dr. Reade 50/. In all 102/. Soe there rests me vpon that ac- count 1/. Is. 2d. ffor your tooles sent no we by Mr. Peirce, my brother Kurby had monie from me to pay for them, who I suppose sends you an account thereof, but I haue not yet received from him the particular charge thereof.
Mrs. Peters [when] shee went into Holland, apoynted Dr. Read to pay me 50/ for you, but he now telleth, he cannot receive yt, soe I beleive your mother will take order for your satisfaction when shee retornes, whom I expect here this moneth.
Sir Mathew Bo)Titon telleth me that he entends to pay 30/ for you at Whitsontyde next
ffor newes I referr you to Mr. Peirce who knowes how all things goe here. Germanie is now become a most desolate wildemes : there be manie townes beautifull for buildings, but neither man woeman nor child in them: they fynd, as pass by, goodly and rich wanscott roomes, with tables, cubbards, and bedsteads standing in them, which they bume, or sett an howse on fyre to dresse theire meate, and leave yt burning next day when they departe. The country doth soe swarme with Ratts which goe in such troops as would fright a man to meet them;
The Emperour, the French King and King of Spayne are making great preparation for warrs each against the other. The Sweades haue taken all Saxonie, the Duke is in a Castle beseidged by the Sweeds where tis thought, he cannot scape. Thus with my love to your selfe, your good wife, Mr. Peters, &c. I leave you and your aflFaires to the blessing of the Almighty and rest your assured loving vnckle Em: Downinge.
2 Mtu 1636.
You are to pay your flFather W: 105. for the Cur rail which I putt into his account before I vnderstood yt was for you.
46 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1636.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
ffor my brother Winthrop.
Loving brother, — Yours of the 29 oif June, the 4 of August, and the 24 of 8ber. I haue received this yeare, and paide all your bills except Mr. Harts who is dead, and his executours haue not yet demaunded the monie. Mr. Lucy who imployed Mr. Hart sent to me for the monie, my answeare was that if Mr. Lucy would give me his bond to dischardge you from Harts executours I would then pay yt to him ; the messenger said, I should haue it, but I never heard more of him. I haue hereinclosed sent your account Whereas you write that you entend to sell of my oxen and some other male catle, I pray sell what you please and pay your selfe for my childrens being with you.
My Ant Branch is lately dead.
I hartilye thank you for your lardge Information of the state of the plantation ; I was the other day with Secretarie Coke who told me that there hath not ben a word of your plantacon at Councell board these manie moneths past
The 4th of 9ber last at night here was great thunder and lightning, with soe terrible a storme that manie steeples and Churches were beaten downe and verie manie bowses and trees blowne vp by the rootes, in divers parts of this kingdome.
The Archbishops officers are now in visitation in Essex, on fFriday last they began at Brentwood, where ^t was de- clared to the ministers that eurie on must reade the Kings declaration concerning the Saboth days recreations, or, at the moneths end, be deprived.
The Lord Maior sent his officers to most of the cheife familyes of the Citty to give them warning to kepe the ffasts, Lent, Ember weeks, and the Vigills.
1636.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 47
I was at Mr. Rogers* of Dedham his funeral], where there were more people than 3 such Churches could hold : the gallery was soe over loaden with people that it sunck and crackt and in the midle where yt was Joynted the tymbers gaped and parted on from an other soe that there was a great cry in the Church: they vnder the gallery fearing to be smothered, those that were vpon yt hasted of, some on way some an other, and some leaped downe among the people into the Church : those in the body of the Church seing the tymbers gape were sore afrighted, but yt pleased God to honour that good man departed with 4 miracle at his death, for the gallerie stood and the people went on againe, though not so manie as before ; had yt fain as blackfi7ars did vnder the popishe assem- bly, yt would haue ben a great wound to our religion. Our freinds in Suffolk, Essex and London are all in health.
The name of a CoUedge in your plantation would much advantadge yt considering the present distast against our vniversityes, you need not stay till you haue CoUedges to lodge schoUars, for if you could but make a combination of some few able men, ministers or others to read certeyne lectures, and that yt were knowne here amongst honest men, you would soone haue students hence, and Incou- radgement to proceed further therein. What great burthen would yt be to a Minister for the present (till you haue meanes and be better supplyed with schoUars) once a week for a moneth in eurie quarter to reade a logick, greke or hebrew lecture or the like.
Thus with my love to your selfe, my sister and all yours &c of my freinds in the plantation, with my dayly prayers for you and yours with the prosperity of the whoU plan- tation, I rest your assured loving brother
Em. Downing k.
6 Martij — 1636.
* Rev. John Rogers, of Dedhain, died Oct 8, 1636. — Eds.
48 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1637.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To the Honourable his verie loving brother John Winthrop Gover- nour of the Maasachvsetta in New England.
Good brother, — Its noe small comfort to me that I haue hope ere long to enioy your Companie, I purpose God willinge to sett forth hence in the begynning of Aprill at furthest and to take your soime hence with me.
ffor my provision of Come I purpose to buy yt there. If you feare the rising of the prise, I pray buy some for me and promise payment in money at my Landing. . Here hath been great Joy for your great victories but farr more for vanquishing your erronious opinions then for conquer- ing the Pequoits. Our best and worthyest men doe much mervile you did not banish Whee[l]wright and Hutchinsons wife, but suffer them to sowe more sedition among you: Mr. Vanes ill behaviour there hath lost all his reputation here. I heare he is about to travaile into Germanic.
The Nobility, gentry and Comons of Scotland are in Confederatie and combyned soe strong togeather that they will admitt of noe Conformity to our good Bishop's orders, they haue throwne out the holy booke of Comon prayer, beaten theire Bishops and tome theire sirplisses of the backs of the Ministers, and manie more outrages in this kinde wee heare of dayly.
The Dutch haue taken in Breda.
In August last Mr. Tyndall paid me one hundreth pounds.
I follow your councell in coming to the bay before I resolve where to pitche. I pray helpe me to hire or buy some howse (soe as I may sell yt againe if I shall remove) in some plantation about the Bay. Thus for present I take leave and rest leaving you and your affayres to the blessed protection of the Almighty.
Your assured louing brother Em. Downinge.
21. 9ber 1637.
1638.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 49
I can give noe answer to my Cosen Winthrop's letter yet for his monie from the Lords.* I pray salute him and all my freinds.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
Tb his Honorable brother John Winthrop Esqr^ Governour at
Boston,
Sir, — I thanke you for my brother Kirbyes letter, but before yt cam I had assigned him more raonie to serve his teme, the 50/i I would exchange is of other monie, not of any I expect to be in his hands. I am not willing to send James of purpose about yt if I could other wise doe yt, before the shipp goes hence.
I thanke you hartilye for your kynde Invitation, but I hope there wilbe noe necessitye of my being there this winter, there is more cause of your coming hither, where I shall, God willing, acquaynt you with the secrets of ye decoye, I pray resolue to come ere winter. I doe rest vpon you for Wheat and Rye, about 30 bushells of Rye and 10 bushells of Wheate. I pray let my Cosen Stephen dispatch the perfecting of the accounts, and the remayne I purpose to dischardge with ready monie. Soe desiring the Good Lord to preserve you to length of dayes and etemall Joy with my service to my sister and your selfe, I rest Your verie louing brother
Salem 22 October, 1638. Em: DowninGE.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his much honored brother John Winthrop Govemourj dlr.
Boston.
Sir, — I blesse God for his tender care of vs in preserv- ing yours and myne in health and peace in these Infectious
* The Lord Say and Seale and the Lord Rrookf of whose Connecticut Colony the yoQiiger Winthrop waa the Governor. — Eds.
50 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1638.
and stormie seasons. My Cosen Peter told me, this after- noone, that there was not one sick in Salem, the Good Lord graunt vs thankfull hearts, as for this soe for all other his favours to vs. Mr. Ballard of Sagus lyeth verie sick of the pox. I found my sawes in a long Chest among other things, the bundle of Sawes you sent me are not myne, I wishe the owner had them.
fFor Mr. Cooke, I, having noe other buisines to the Court, am loath to make a Jorney of purpose, therefore my hope is my Cosen St[ephen] Winthrop having a letter of Attor- nie will prosecute yt for me ; If he goes for Bermodas I must fynde out some other freind that will doe yt for me.
I haue soe manie things to retome thanks for as I know not where to begyn, they deserue more then words, my hart is more willing to requitall then opportunity or abilitj'e can afoard, as an Indian said, Comand me great things to the height of my strength, &c. I pray remember my ser- uice with manie thanks to my sister, and soe with my love to all yours & Mr. Harrison with my dayly prayers for your prosperous condition in soule, body and all your affaires, I rest
Your assured loving brother whilest I am
Em: Downinge.
25. 10. 1638.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his much honored brother John Winthrop Oovernour.
Sir, — I thanke you for your kynde letters, which I reseived yeasterday. I feare not the coming of shipps vnto vs, because I know it will not be in the power of any mortall man, (though as malitious as the Divill himselfe against vs) to hinder them. I am much more troubled that you write, how you are yet sometimes feverishe : I pray be more watchfuU for your health, that you oppresse not your bodye nor spirits with the publique affaires, but
1638.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 51
rather spare yourselfe a while that you may be the better
enabled for tyme to come ; cold and wett espetially of your
feet are two great traytors to your health, and must be
watched verie narrowly, verie narrowly : The good Lord
preserue you to vs, and I shall never feare foreigne maUce,
8oe long as the trew worship of God is by authority vpheld
amongst vs, for he is faythfuU and wilbe a sure rock of
defence to his beloved. Mr. Rogers hath an overture
of plantation betweene Newberry and Ipswich which I
feare wilbe streightned, betweene Ipswich and Newberry,
as Cambridge is by hir Neighbour townes ; Now at Salem
wee haue manie farmes to be sould, enough for all his
Companie, and the Towne desires much his joyning with
our pastor, he may also haue with vs a plantation by
himselfe, soe that I hope we shall keepe him here or at
Newberry. I pray present my service to my sister. Soe
with harty prayers for your health, desirous much to heare
of your perfect recouerie, I rest with manie thanks to
your selfe and my sister, which I owe for more then my
paper can hold,
Yours assured whilest I am
Em. Downinge.
2 Martu 1638.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
T^ his much Jionored brother John Winthrop, Oovemour.
Sir, — I retorne you manie thanks for your kynde letter with a sorifull heart for my sisters sicknes. The good Lord blesse and sanctifie yt vnto hir : though I should be verie glad of my wives retorne, yet I dare not now call for yt. I haue nought to write but of planting, sowing, posting, rayling &c.
My Cosen P.* is constant to his dayly charge, soe that
* Hugh Peter. — Eds.
52 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1639.
all his freinds are resolved to leave him to his owne way, yet blessed be God his preaching is verie profitable and comfortable to all. I feare I shalbe disappoynted of 30 bushells of Indian Come which I relyed on here, I pray let me be soe bold with you as to know if I may be supplyed thence ; soe with my service to your selfe and my sister with harty prayers for hir health I rest • Your assured loving brother Em: Downinge.
Salem 8. 2dL
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
\^Addrea9 deatroyedt except the word] " brothev,^^
Sir, — I haue deferred writing vnto you in hope to haue ben at Boston ere this.
I remember when this plantation began, Mr. Isake Johnson said more then once, that he was resolved to spend and be spent in this buisines. What he then said you haue effected. Now if the Country should fayle I am confident the Lord will in his good tyme give meanes of freedome out of all your cares and feares. I haue a Cow Calfe at Mistick, I pray accept of yt, and were I in monie as I haue ben, I should doe that would become a loving brother. Job was raised to a full estate in this way by his freinds, soe I conceiue tis a dutye and debt the Countrye stands in to free you, and being a way of God you may with comfort accept yt ; how ever the Country may deale with you, I pray doe not you nor my sister oppresse your spiritts herewith, but wayte with cheerfull patience on the Lord, who alone can and ordinarily doth bring good out of evill, and, confident I am, he will in his owne way and tyme performe yt to you.
I know not how the buisines stands for Mr. Eaton's debts, whither I must loose that lOli or no. I am not willing to trouble you therein. I pray speake to my Cosen
1639.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 53
Stephen to looke after yt for me. Soe craving pardon for this boldnes with my love and service to yourselfe and my sister, I rest Your assured loving brother whilest I am • Em : Down INGE.
Sjllru 9. 11. 39.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his ever Honored brother John Winthrop, Oovernour.
Sir, — I doe retoume you manie thanks for your kynde letter of the 13th of this Instant, and doe blesse God for the continewance of health to you and yours, and doe much reioyce in this, that the Lord hath enabled you with patience and chearfulnes to beare your burthen, he knowes well what service you haue done for his people and Churches here. He hath promised requitall for a cup of cold water given to any of his. I need not tell you of his riches, ability and faythfulnes in the performance of his word and promises to the meanest of his servants, nor of his trew and tender lov.e vnto you ; soe that I am assured he will repaire and fully repay all your losse, costs and charges spent in his service. I pray be confident hereof and doe him that right, in being as chearfull and contented now as when you had the world most at comand ; and soe with pardon for my boldnes and faythfuU service to my good sister and your selfe, I rest
Your assured loving brother whilest I am
Em: Downinge.
24. 12. 39.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
Sir, — I thanke you for your loving letter and doe blesse God for peace and health to you and yours. I am confi- dent you having spent your selfe and estate in this honour- able ser\dce ; that yt will redounde to your greater creditt and honour with God and man, then if you had gayned
54 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [IWO.
riches as other Governours doe, both in Virginea and els- where, and yt will rise vp in Judgement against extorting Governours that shalbe set over the people in succeed- ing generations, when your selfe shalbe at rest reaping the fruits of your present labours.
The noate that Edward Dillingham gave you, I never saw yt, I pray therefore take his affidavit : yt had ben done here if wee could haue mett with Mr. Endicott, who is much trobled with a cough and cold and cannot be at this Court. He remembereth his trew love and service to your selfe and my sister.
I cannot leave my wife now to attend Dillingham's bui- sines and I feare if I should haue ben there, the tryall would be putt of with one devise or other because I did not serve Mr. Saltonstall and his partner to the Court If he can he will keepe Dillingham from you. I pray keep the affidavit or send yt me for I can depose he would haue sworne to yt if we could haue founde Mr. Endicott. Yeasterday my wife was in a feavor, this day she is pretyly well, so with my service to your selfe, my sister, and all yours I rest Your verie loving brother
Em: Downinge.
2, 1. 39.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his much honored brotJier John Winthrop, OovernouVy Boston,
Sir, — This day I had a meeting with Mr. Saltonstall about Dillinghams buisines, and chardging him with your noate sent me into England : he said there was deliured James Luxford 20 Cowes, whereas your noate doth men- tion but 15, soe it was conceived that Dillingham or Luxford should deceive me of 5 Cowes, but after they were gone I founde Luxfords noate of my Catle he deliuered me, which doth mention 19, soe there is but one wanting.
1640.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 55
which (if he did not deliver James Luxford) Mr. Saltonstall must pay me for : I haue sent my man of purpose with these notes which I pray retome by him againe. Dil- lingham wilbe with you to-morow of purpose to cleare himselfe of these 5 Cowes : if yt shall appeare that Luxford hath cosened you and me of that one Cowe which is yet wanting, let yt never trouble you. That you may vnderstand how 20 Cowes should be deliuered to Luxford, the accoimt is thus, viz : In May 1633 there were deliuered to DiUmgham
9 Milch cowes ^
2 heifers / 18] Of these 18 there dyed 2, soe
7 Cow calves ) there remayned 16.
of these there was the first yeare with Dillingham 9 calves, 5 cow calves, 4 bull calves.
In June 1636 DUlingham deliuered as he saith 4 of the said 5 Cow calves, with the former 16 being then growne to be Cowes, in all 20 Cowes to James Luxford, who ac- counted to me as per his noate appeareth for 19. Soe there wants but one of this reckoning, but manie more are wanting to me of Dillingham's account which he said did dye and were killed by woolves &c. I doubt I must come to a Jury at Boston with Mr. Saltonstall at last, he con- fesseth he hath 100 It left of Dillinghams in his hands to satisfie me if neede be, and that there is almost as much more leyable to my satisfaction elswhere. Wee parted verie good freinds after all our debate of the buisines, soe for this tyme being over troublesome, with my service to your selfe and my good sister, I rest
Your verie loving brother Em: Downinge.
10. 1. 1640.
My wife and sonne John present theire service now being all in health, blessed be God.
56 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1640.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his Honourable brotlier John Winthrop, Govemour,
Sir, — I praise God my wife had a good day to retome home, but yeasterday shoe was as ill. Last night shee slept prety well, and is chearly this morning, the Good Lord open our eares to heare his rod speaking vnto vs.
I thanke you hartily for the spade, Daniell playd the foole to aske yt, having enough to serve our tomes, yt was putt a shore, but in theire hast coming home, I suppose tis lost, for I cannot heare of yt.
I haue not yet had tyme to speake with my wife scarce about my seuerall occassions in the Bay, as flax seed, hemp. Come &c. which I must referr to the next, the boate being vnder Saile. Soe with harty thanks for your great and vn- deserued love vpon euerie tome manefesting yt selfe with my service to your selfe, my sister &c. I rest
Your assured whilest I am Em : Downinge.
15. 2.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
Sir, — I haue here in Salem a desire to match my sonne James to a maide that lives in Mr. Endicotts howse : hir sister is maryed here, who sayes the mayd was left to hir dispose by hir parents, but they dying intestate, the administration and tuition of the maide was by the Court comitted to Mr. Hathome, Mr. Batter* and Goodman Scrugs,* and to helpe Mr. Endicott with some present monie, you wrote to Mr. Hathorne to putt hir to Mr. Endi- cott to board, who therevpon received 40/i aforehand for 2 yeares. I haue moved Mr. Hathorne, and Mr. Batter
* Probably Edmund Batter and Thomas Scruggs. — Eds.
1640.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 57
for my sonne, who are well pleased therewith. I purposed to haue acquaynted Mr. Endicott therewith, but that a freind in great secrecye told me that Mr. Batter had in my sonnes behalfe told yt to Mr. Endicott, and as Mr. Endi- cott said to my good freind Mr. Hathome that he had the wholl dispose of the maid, and would provide a better match for hir, Mr. Hathome answered him that- they the ffeoflFes were trusted with the person and the estate vntill the maid should be of yeares to dispose of hir selfe, which said he, that shee now was of full yeares to dispose of hir selfe, being past 16, for shee is about 17 yeares of age; then Mr. Endicott replyed that he would write to the Gouemour and your selfe about yt. Mr. Hathorne desires not to be knowne of this councell revealed to me &c. I should first haue advised with Mr. Endicott in this, but his freinds desired he should not yet be acquaynted therewith, nor now vntill I heare an answeare from yourselfe, and the Govemour, that the Maide be left to hir owne dispose or the flFeofFees to whom before hir full age shee did ap- perteyne. I pray let me be beholding to you to acquaynt the Govemour herewith with my humble dutye to him, that he may doe me right and answer Mr. Endicott with- out oflFence that the mayde is of full age, but I leaue the matter and manner myselfe and all to your better Judge- ment, submitting wholly to the will of God herein. I desire much to see the yssue hereof and to match some of my elder Children because some, thinke me to blame that none of them are disposed of. I have provided a verie good match for my neice, Nab. Goade ; he is old Moulton his only sonne, a member of our Church, of 4 or 500/i estate: if my sonns buisines proceede I may about a moneth hence haue both couples maried on a day.
I feared the losse of your accounts which my wife now hath found, being in hir custodye, I purpose now accord- ing to promise send in my next the abstract thereof, that you may vnderstand how yt is betweene vs. I pray let
8
58 THE WIXTHROP PAPERS. [1641.
my Cosen Stephen take a receipt of Mr. Treasurrer vpon deliuerie of the 40 bushells of Come for viij /* in parte of the rate of Salem, for myne owne parte thereof comes to but 4/i 10^. Soe with my humble service to yourselfe and my good sister I rest Your assured loving brother
Em: Downinge.
20. 11. 40.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO HUGH PETER.
To his verie loving Cosen Mr, Peter at Boston dlr.
My good Cosen, — Vnderstanding you were resolued to goe by water into the Bay or at least to the shippe, I sent my wife yeasterday with my cosens, purposing my selfe to haue accompanied you by water to the shippe, but though you haue altered your Course and prevented me and some others, yet shall my hart and prayers euer attend you, early and late, at sea and at land, in the Court and in the Countrie vntill you retome againe vnto vs. Remember my service to Mr. Weld and Mr. Hibbons, whom I had embraced on Shipboard, had you not thus stoUen from vs.
The Bishop caused a Quo Warranto to be sued forth in the King's Bench against our Patentees, thinking to damme our patent, and put a generall Gouernour ouer vs, but most of them that appeared I did advise to disclayme, which they might safely doe, being not sworne Magistrats to goveme according to the patent ; and these Magistrats which doe governe among vs being the only parties to the patent were never summoned to appear. Therefore if there be a Judgement given against the patent, its false and erroneous and ought to be reversed, with a motion in the Kings benche without any long suite by writt of Error may set right againe. Farewell my deare Cosen, Soe wishing you a prosperous Jorney and safe retome I rest yours assured whilest I am Em. Downinge.
Salem 5th day morning.
1644.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 59
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR. To his honored Cosen John Winthropj Esqr. — [tttrn.']
[a few lines destroyed.'^ • • • • •
to be soe full [half a line defaced^ uld nothing furthei, or hinder your sale with them as the case stands.
My Sonne is not yet retomed from Ipswich whom I expect eurie Qijowre and soe haue done these 3 dayes ; If you goe for England before yt be done,* yet I will if God permitt pursue yt to the vtmost, and send per the next shippe, that you may receive your monie of his ffather.
My deare and hartye beloved Cosen if I see you not before you goe, yet know you carrye my hart and true affections with you, and shall count eurie day three, vntill you retome againe. Reade and seall if you can my Cosen Peters letter before you deliuer yt. Soe wishing you a prosperous Jorney and safe retome I rest
Your assured loving vnckle Em: Downinge.
8alem 29 July, 1641.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To hi^ Jionored Cosen John Winthrop Esqr, at TenhiUs.
Ever honored Cosen, — I blesse God I cam safe to London ; where I founde a most miserable distracted state, as you will vnderstand by bookes and passengers ; I haue satisfied your Cosen Parkes concerning Roger and theire owne Children.
I delivered your letter to Mris. Hill at the Mayden head in wood street, Mr. Hill was not at home, according my promise to hir I purpose to visit them some tymes. I dyned there to day in hope to haue mett hir husband.
* John Winthrop, jr., sailed from Boston, Aug. 3. with Peter, Welde, and Hibbins. — Eds.
60 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1644.
Shee thinks hir husband will not only release the debt but send you alsoe some comodityes for a portion to advance the elder mayde in raarriadge.
I haue spoken with Mr. Waring concerning the 2 children and that he should release your debt towards your chardge about them, he seemed willing thereto, and said he would give order to Mr. Peters about yt, who is now in the Countrye.
William Greenewood is dead. His sonne is come vp, whom I should haue mett this day vpon the Exchange, but I saw him not. Yts like wee may meet to morow and end the buisines.
Since I began to write I heare that goodman Greenwood's Sonne is gone into Suffolk, and meanes to come to me a week or fortnight hence. Mr. Vincent hath not yet re- solued what to do ; whither to take his monie or venture it in the Ironworks. Mr. Thomas Warner was glad to heare of your care to satisfie him with your Tobacco, and seing yt was not your fault, yt shall not trouble him to stay till we pay him here, which I purpose to doe if I can, other- wise he will stay till you send yt.
Mr. Bond hath a mynde to the West Indyes, but is not resolved. He once wished his monie againe with some abatement, and when one of the Companie off red his monie, he refused yt. I haue not yet receiued in your bond, but shall haue yt.
Dr. Child purposeth to come over with me, and writes by this shipp of all his owne affaires vnto you.
If my wife desires 40^ worth of Cloth let hir haue it or somewhat more.
The vndertakers refuse to buy any land, vnles 2 or 3 acres to build the works vpon. I pray therefore keepe Mr. Hutchinsons land for yourselfe or me, which I suppose wee may improve to good advantage. There is of your black leade sent into France and the lowe countries, when I heare thence I shall know what to doe.
1644.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 61
The Adventurers in the Iron works haue agreed with Mr. Leader to take care of theire works. You know the man. He lived in Ireland, He is a perfect Accountant, hath skill in mynes and tryall of mettalls, he hath covenanted to serve them 7 yeares, his wages is lOOli per annum. He is to haue passadge for himselfe, his wife, 2 children, 3 8er\'ants ; an howse to be built for him, and ground to be allowed him for his horses and a few cowes. His 100/a per annum begins the 25th of Marche next. When I perceiued they were resolved vpon him; and that yt would be noe advantage to you for me to haue expressed my dislike of theire way herein, but haue putt more Jea- losies into their heads of you ; and when they asked me what I thought thereof, I answearcd that you had tra- vayled from East to West, from North to South, sparing noe costs or paynes for the discouerie of mynes and fitt places for the erecting of Ironworks ; and how you obteyned 3000 acres of Boston, 1500 of Dorchester, wherein you haue deserued well from them, and that there wilbe great neede of your helpe though they send one never soe sufficient for the worke, whereto they replyed that they resolved to satisiie you for the tyme past, and to desire your assistance for tyme to come. Then I told them I was well assured, Mr. Leder should be a welcome man vnto you ; for at my coming thence you expressed your desire to me that my selfe or some other would vndertake the buisines ; then Mr. Leder told them that he would not medle with any vndertaking of theire buisines without your free consent and contentment, for soe in private he had promised me to expresse himselfe before them all, which he performed verie honestly. Soe in the end wee concluded of a letter to be sent vnto you vnder all our hands in way of thankfulncs and engagement to give you satisfaction. I would haue you demaund noe lesse then 150// per annum for these 3 yeares, because Mr. Folye told me when they were agree- ing with Mr. Leder, they would haue giuen him 150/i per
62 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1644.
annum rather then to haue left him. And Mr. Folye said further that the first 2 or 3 yeares would be more chardge- able and paynfull then afterwards, and that there wilbe dayly expence in enter teyning of workemen & others, therefore if Mr. Leder had stood vpon yt, he might haue had 150/i per annum. Concerning your bills of exchange I deliuered only the bill of 1000/t, whereof, as you may perceiue by theire letter, they entend to pay but 400/i, and when they pay the monie they will haue a writing signed betweene vs, to this purpose, that yf you shall not haue laid out 400/i before our ship retomes, the rest is to be repaid to Mr. Leder for the works in monie, and if there shalbe more due to you vpon your account the same to be paid with forbearance. I haue sent you lOOli worth of cloth per Mr. Graves with the bill of particulars and cockett hereinclosed, the chardges endorsed on the back of the bill. I hope if the Lord sent yt safe you may with good content make 30/i gayne ; I spoke for as much lynen cloth to haue sent you by this ship, but the shipp was full laden before I could gett yt readye. Soe with my seruice to your selfe and your good wife, he dayly prayes for you and yours who is and euer shalbe Your assured loving vnckle whilest I am Em: Downinge.
London 25 ffebr. 1644.
I have sent you 2 bills of loading, one for the Cloath, the other for a few things for ray wife. I pray receive them out of the ship. The freight is paid.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his euer honored Cosen John Winthrop esqr at Ten hills nere
Boston,
Mt good Cosen, — I wrote you at lardge an account of your buisines per Mr. Willoby. I haue not yet receiued any monie for you. They haue promised the 400/i which
1645.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 63
I think they meane to pay shortlye, soe soone as they can gett yt togeather ; Mr. Weld and I were agreed soe soone as Mr. Graves shipp should be gone hence to cleare the Account with Maior Boorne, but I am prevented by his suddaine and vnexpected goeing away with Mr. Graves. Mr. Bourne tould vs that he would be ready to goe with vs in Mr. Andre wes shipp, soe that I much marveyled at his goeing with -Mr. Graves, he having putt in his name to be an vndertaker in Mr. Andrewes shippe. If there shalbe any thing spoken or moved by him in the Court concerning the Account, I pray procure a stay thereof till I come, and soe for present I take leave and rest
Your verie loving vnckle Em : Downinge.
London this 3 of March 1644.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his euer honored Cosen John Winthrop Eaqr. at Mistick nere
Boston.
Ever honored Cosen, — I wrote at lar^ge per Mr. Graves, which I hope you haue before the date hereof. Therein I gave you to vnderstand, how the vndertakrs haue chosen one Mr. Leader to take care and oversee the Iron works. He was formerly imployed in Ireland about mynes ; They give lOO/i per annum and beare the chardge of his whoU famyly over. They would haue given 150/* per annum to him rather then to haue left him ; they build him an howse; when I perceived they were resolued vpon him, they asked me what I thought of yt ; I answeared to this purpose, that you would willinglie consent to yt ; for as they would not neglect or slight, but acknowledge and requite your great care, paynes, and charges spent about the same, whereto they all fuUie agreed, and soe wrote to you per Mr. Graves vnder all our hands. As then
64 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1645.
I wrote soe now I am of the same mjude that you may haue 150K per annum allowed you, over and aboue your disbursements vntill Mr. Leader shalbe invested therein. Mr. Leader hath tryed your leade oare and fyndes yt to be a silver myne, therefore I am resolued not to sell any parte thereof.
I haue a friend preparing to come over with me, who doth resolve to make a plantation by your myne, who hath monie enough, and purposeth to improve some therein.
I referre you to my friends letter for all your other buisines; The people generallie here now begjn to dis- realishe the West Indyes (as I wrote to your ffather) and tome theirc faces towards Xew England which is in better creditt among all sorts and degrees then yt hath ben for some yeares past. Manie ministers now begyn againe to pray publicklye for yt.
The 20th of this moneth our shipp is to sett sayle, the Good Lord graunt vs a prosperous passadge. Soe for present with my loue to yourselfe your wife and yours I rest Your lo\ing vnckle Em. Dowkinge.
London 5 May 1645.
7o Mau 1645.
This morning being at the Parliament howse I mett with mv freind mentioned in this letter who desires to plant nere your myne, who told me he could not be ready to goe soe soone as our shipp ; but tould me, he entended to hire a shipp for himselfe and famyly soe soone as he should gett readye.
EM.\XU£L downing to JOHN WINTHROP.
Ih his ecer honored brother John Winthrop E;$qr at Boston.
Sir, — I hartvlve thank vou for vour kvnde letter and
• • • • •
newes therein.
1645.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 65
A warr with the Narraganset is verie considerable to this plantation, fFor I doubt whither yt be not synne in vs, hauing power in our hands, to suffer them to maynteyne the worship of the devill which theire paw wawes often doe; 21ie, If vpon a Just warre the Lord should deliuer them into our hands, wee might easily haue men woemen and children enough to exchange for Moores, which wilbe more gaynefuU pilladge for vs then wee conceive, for I doe not see how wee can thrive vntill wee gett into a stock of slaves sufficient to doe all our buisines, for our children's children will hardly see this great Continent filled with people, soe that our servants will still desire freedome to plant for them selues, and not stay but for verie great wages. And I suppose you know verie well how wee shall maynteyne 20 Moores cheaper then one Englishe servant.
The ships that shall bring Moores may come home laden with salt which may beare most of the chardge, if not all of yt. But I marvayle Conecticott should any wayes hasard a wanre without your advise, which they cannot maynteyne without your helpe.
My wife hath ben pretilye of late, I wishe shee makes hir selfe not sick againe by trjing new conclusions. I pray hasten hir retorne, yt being the buisyest tyme of the whoU yeare, for hay and harvest are both in hand, whereby shee hath occasion of often riding, which I suppose the best phisick for hir. Soe with my service to your selfe, my Sister &c. I rest, Yours assured
Em: Downinge. I pray remember my ser\ice to the Goucmor.*
* The date of this letter was probably daring the summer of 1645, when Dudley was Govenior, and when there was danger of a war with the Narragonsetts. — Eds.
9
66 THE WI3STHR0P PAPERS. [1646.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his ever honored brother John Winthrop esqr Deputie Oovernour.
Sir, — I retome you manie thanks for your kinde letter and newes. The Generall said, himselfe would retome thanks m his letter. Mr. Norrice prayed me to remember his service and love to you for the same. I haue neither newes nor buisines to fill vp my letter.
fFor want of other matter give me leave to tell you how our towne is much troubled for the putting out of theire old Captane, wherevpon a day was appoynted by Captane Hauthome for a new choyce at which tyme the old Captane was chosen againe haueing almost 20 votes more then the new. Both wilbe presented to the Court.
I am sorrye to heare of the continewance of the conta- gious sicknes about you. I thank God wee are in health here. The good Lord grant vs to vnderstand his mynde thereby. Mr. Broadstreet is about to setle his habitation with vs, at Salem ; and to imploy his stock in trading here. Soe with my wives and my service to your selfe and my sister with our love to my Cosens I am
Your verie loving brother Em: Downinge.
Salem 23. 2. 46.
27o. 2.
This drought attributed to the blood vpon the countrie shed of the French.
Mr. Norris soUicited by our Easteme ministers and some others to vrge for Justice therein, that syn may be taken of the Land, as Mr. Sharpe enformed me this aftemoone before Mr. Hathorne and some other of our towne, and alsoe that Mr. Norrice should intimate God's displeasure for yt against Maior Gibbons and Captane Haukins in theire seuerall losses. I satisfied Mr. Sharpe fullie therein, that there was no syn vpon the Country in that action, who this euening in private entreated me to goe
1647.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 67
to Mr. Norricc about yt, because he thought him to be in an error as himselfe was. When I had cleared the ma}iie, one obiected our mens marching vnder our Colors, I answeared yt was not done with warrant hence, 2d ob: was your letter to Done, I answeared that it was noe Comission for our men to wrong Done but to demand our right. 3d ob: Done was offended thereat. Ans. yts ordinarie for men to pretend offences when they ought, and will not make restitution. My answeares to the mayne I omitt because this paper is to litle.
Please you to send the wyne per my brother Browne.
I pray Sir tell goodman Nickerson I intreat him to send me a pound of whalebone by the first he can.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO [JOHN WINTHROP].
Ever honored Sir, — I cam home last night out of Suf- folke where I left our freinds well, where I found Mr. Leight dwelling in the howse you sould Mr. Warren ; yts much ruinous and falne to decay. He sayth that he in- tends to gett lycence to pull downe halfe of yt to repayre the rest My brother Gostlin is much broken, but my sis- ter lookes fatt and lusty ; they desire to be remembred vnto you, soe doe our freinds at Layes and Cox hall. I mett with Colonell Mildmay vpon the way who inquired verie earnestly after you. Mrs. Bacon of Shrublin is dead, hir 2 Sonns Nath : & Francis are of Parliament.
A Colonell being a Justice in Kent, there was an Indite- ment read against him for stealing 2 horses : the Colonell said, is there such a knave of my name ? not dreaming yt was against himselfe ; being a Comittee man, and a Colo- nell in the Kentish troubles, he tooke the 2 horses from a malignant for the Parliaments service. The Judge stayed the proceedings. The Parliament hath tomed out Sir
68 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1648.
Chidly out of Comissioii for perswading the party to pre- ferr the bill I pray remember my service to Mr. Dudly and lett him see the paper inclosed and then send yt to my wife. Soe with my service to yourself e, my sister and yours, I am Your loving brother
Em : DowNiNGE.
4. 3. 47.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
lb his ever honored Cosen John Wijdhrop, Esqr, at Pequoyt dl.
Sir, — I hope you are soe well setled in your occasions there, as to begyn to think now of visiting your freinds in the Bay, the merchants at Salem are sory you accepted not theire propositions for the making of salt ; the Good Lord direct you in that way as may be most comfortable to your selfe and profitable to his people.
The witche is condemned, and to be hanged to-morrow, being Lecture Day. A woeman of Exeter carj'ed some catle to Dover to buy Corne, who with hir Come received 3/ in monie for hir catle, and in hir returne to Exeter was murthered and hir monie taken away ; yts not yet knowne who did yt ; your freinds here are all, blessed be God, in good health ; soe with my wives and my love to your selfe my good Cosen and all yours I take leave and am
Your verie loving vnckle Em : Downinge.
Boston 13. 4. 4S.
I have even now sold my horse to James Oliver for 10/ to purchase the still, I pray remember me about the Ger- man receipt for making strong water with rye meall with- out maulting of the Corne, I pray keepe a copie, in Case the noate you send me should miscarye. Vale.
1648.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 69
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his euer honered Cosen John Winthrop Esqr. at Pequoyte,
Sir, — I am verie sorye to see how you are vsed by your man James, for whose cariadge I referr you to Mris. Lake: such servants will soone wayst all you haue. I pray take yt into dew consideration. I hope you will not loose tj'me in erecting a salt worke there, you neede not feare vent here for yt. I pray send me, by the first safe con- veyance, the tymbers with the price, for which I shall reteme your pay in strong water, and soe for present I take leave and am Your loving vnckle
Em: Downinge.
20. 4. 48.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his honored h^other John Winthrop esqr Oovemour, Boston.
Sir, — I expected to haue scene you, in your way to Ipswich, when my long looking for your coming lost me my dynner. I doe now desire to heare how you bore your stormy jomey homwards.
I want the last Grant of the Court to Mr. Humphries of Cosen W. fearme; I am now in hope to haue the howse there repayred before winter, but am not yet fitted with a man to my mynde to dwell there, but not out of hope to haue one against the Spring, as I wrote to you per goodman Gigles, which letter cam back to me againe when you were at Ipswich.
I am now fuUie furnished for my stilling buisines ; and doe purpose the 3d. or 4th day next to send an horse for goodman Toy : if he comes not the 2d. day, I pray send for him, and I hope he shall not need much intreating to come, seeing yt was his owne offer, with a desire to see
70 THE WIXTHROP PAPERS. [1W8.
some books I haue about stilling, the which I shall shew vnto him. Soe for present with my wives and my sen'ice to your selfe and sister I take leave and am
Your verie loving brother Em : Downinge.
Salem 29, 7, 48.
EMAXUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his honored brother John Wlnihrop Esqr Governour.
Sir, — The verdict passing for Farrington he hath Judge- ment fFor Stones meadow and 50a' 4d costs with the hav standing vpon the ground, the which I must forth with pay, and shall desire to haue yt repayd to me in Boston. This tryall and judgement must begitt a new law in X. E. that henceforth noe mans land shalbe recouered from the possessor without sufficient warning for the producing his evidence, which I hope wilbe cleared, before the next Court. Its the [tom] meadow of the fearme conteyning about 40 acr[es.] [tom'j hereof when I come to Boston.
I haue proceeded soe farr with Mr. Norton conce[ming] my daughter Luice that wee are agreed vpon [tom] portion, and am satisfied from the minister about the obiections made against him : he would haue gone for England this yeare, and will yet goe, if he shall see noe hope of gayn- ing hir love : the minister informes me that his brother is verie plyant to him in all things, and that there is great expectation from help of freinds, ha\ing 3 Mickles in Lon- don childles, 2 of them haue fvned for Aldermen:* he hath a brother who writes (the letter I read) that he will send him 500 or 1000/i worth of goods yearly and beare the adventure to and fro. The benefitt his London brother aymes at is to haue retornes made to Barbados to supply his sugar workmen. I pray incouradge my daughter herein.
* An oM law required penons wli > refufcd to serve a* aldermen to par a fine. — Eds.
1648.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 71
for I suppose shee will not haue such a preferment (if this fayle) in N. E. Soe for present with my service I take leave and am Your verie loving brother
Em: Downinge.
lo. 10. 48.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
2b his honored Cosen John Winthrop, Eaqr, at Pequoyt,
Ever honored Cosen, — I am joyfuU to heareof your health, but more glad to heare you would retornc and setle here, and not to burye your talents in those obscure parts.
I am advised not to send your salt pan to Boston, but to send it to you in some Catche that goes thither in the spring. Goodman Birt with some other of his neighbours of Lyn are about to sett vp a salt worke at Nahant. Mr. Leder hath cast your pans. Our merchants are where they were, standing to that they ofFred vnto you.
I haue wrought in stilling these 3 moneths, the water I mak is desired more & rather then the best spirits they bring from London.
My wife writes the newes. My service to your selfe, your wife, my Cosen Lake, you and yours, I take leave and am Your veric loving uncklc Em : Downinge.
17. 10. 48.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
ffor the Govemour.
Sir, — The Farringtons of Lyn the last weeke did wame my late tenant, goodman Southwick, about the hay he cut at the Ponds, to answeare yt before the Major who referred it to a tryall at Salem Court, which was yeasterday. I told the Major I had not warning suffitient
72 THE WIJJTHROP PAPERS. [1648.
to defend the tide of the land, in regard the question was about Stone's meadoe, the Farringtons calling one barren place by that name, and wee an other which is verie good. Goodman Stone of Nantascott, of whom the place tooke yts name can cleare yt, whom I could not possiblie haue here by that tyme : soe I ofFred the Court to secure the playntiff's damages if he should recover the land by a try- all next Court ; but the playntifF would not forbeare his tryall, soe he produced his witnesses, who affirmed the barren meadoe to be Stone's meadoe, and the other though nerer the Pond yet above a mile from yt. The Jury hath yt now in chardge. I excepted against the Jury men of Lyn as parties : what the yssue wil be I shall know this day. The contents of the land is about 30 or 40 acres. You shall heare more, God willing, shortly: soe for present with my service to your selfe, sister, & Cosen Adam, I take leave and am Your loving brother
Em. Downinge.
27. 10. 48.
The Court told the plaintife this tryall could not end the buisines, but begitt an other suite and trj^all.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To his honored brother John Winthrop esqr. Oouernor.
Sir, — this day Mr. Norton (who preached here yeasterday) is retorned to Ipswich. He cam to make vp the bargaine for his brother, with my daughter : wee haue received fayre answeares to the manie obiections made against him, there was noe mention of any letter from Boston. After full hearing, my wife, my daughter and my selfe consented freely to proceed, vnles within a few dayes vpon further light wee should haue just matter
1649. J THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 73
presented to give cause to breake of. The Good Lord direct vs. I haue sent my daughter to supply my sisters want for present Mr. Norton desires hir speedy retume, but I referr hir to my sisters occasions for her longer or shorter stay there.
I make litle doubt of sufficient testymonie to recover my Cosens meadow, yet I pray send me goodman Stones testymonie or procure him to come over and view the place and then to leave his testymonie. Your strong water shall not I hope be the lesse for yts long stay.
Many here question the truth of the reports about CoUonell R.
I hope my Cosen Adam wilbe better advised then to goe in this shipp for Plymouth, his danger may be more, thence to London, then from hence, &c. Soe for present with my service to your selfe and my sister I take leave and am your verie loving brother Em. Downinge.
22. 11. 48.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
Sir, — According your direction I haue advised with Mr. Endicott & some others about Mr. Pesler with whom I am rather encouradged to proceede then to breake of, but Mr. Hathorne tells me from the Elders of the Bay that it wilbe a scandall to marry my daughter to such a man that hath noe religion, he sayth that I was stayned in poynt of coveteousnes in Mr. Cooks buisines, fot demanding my monie before it was dew; (wherein Mr. Sheapheard having the papers I sent may doe me right.) And now in this match, yt wilbe confirmed in theire opinions that I preferr the world above all, which is farr contrarie to my desire and resolution,
Its well knowne how my daughter hath lost fayre op- portunityes, and in those tymes when I had monie at will,
10
74 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1640.
to haue spared hir, whereof shee is now verie sensible, and feares that if shee should refuse Mr. Pesler shee may stay long ere shee meet with a better, vnles I had more monie for hir then now I can spare. I pray afoard me your councell herein:
Mr. Norris preached here last Saboth to the well likeing of most, some few only founde fault with the weaknes of his voyce. I am in some hope to haue him setle with vs. I heare now my Cow is reasonable well. I pray let hir be sold with the Calfe. I could sell hir if shee were here, but I had rather doe yt there to pay you. I doe want 10 bushells of Rye for seede, which I would so we 3 weeks or a moneth hence at farthest, for which I must entreat you to lett me haue yt. I entend to send sacks or casks for yt. Soe for present 1 rest yours assured — Em: Downinge.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his honored Cosen John Winthrop eaqr at Boston,
Ever honored Cosen, — I doe condole with you for the losse of our Governour,* which lyes soe heavy on my hart as I know not how to remove yt. The day I had appoynted to visit him, I fell sick of a feever: I am through mercye in bodyly health, but not fitt to travaile. I haue manie things to speak to you, which I cannot write at present, my wife and I hope to see you at Salem before your retorne ; in confidence whereof I conclude abruptly and shall euer be your assured loving vnckle whilest I am Em: Downinge.
Salem 6. 2. 49.
[Postscript, iu the handwriting of Lucy Downing, wife of Emannel.]
Dear Sir, — Goe not backe so long a voyage till wee haue the happines to see you, and hear ho we all att
• Gov. Winthrop died 26th March, 164ft. His son came from Connecticut to attend his funerul, which took phice on the 8d of April. — Eds.
1650.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. iD
Pecoite. I hope you haue had 2 letters from me since you went and that was all, in respect I heard not from you. I will promis my selfe you will come. Sir, my seruis to my sister and cosens I pray, and intreat you to bring what in the note in your pocket. If my cosen Adam or your selfe meet with anny writings of mine I desire they maye be keept safe.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
Sir, — I thank you for letter by John Conklin the bearer hereof, who can informe you of our condition here, wee haue had a mild winter vntill the begynning of the 11th month : and then fell snow vpon snowe which lay till the later end of the first month : and then a pleasant and noe backward spring. 2 ships come one from Dartmouth, the other from Bristoe ; they bring newes, how the Prince was preparing to goe for Ireland, where Ormond and Inchequyn were Masters of the fFeild and lay with 25000 men betwene Dublin and Tredath, dayly threatening to storme Dublin, wherein was CoUonell Jones with 5000 men, who yssuying out, not purposing to charge vpon the wholl army, was ingaged before he was aware, tooke 5000 prisoners, slew manie and overthrew theire wholl army : the Prince hear- ing this went for France and thence for Holland, is now at Breda. After this Cromwell went to Dublin, thence to Tre- dath where he lost manie men, but at last took it by storming, and putt all to the sword, but 200 who in a fort had quarter, thence he went to Wexford, took it and putt most of them to the sword, left CoUonell Cooke there Govemour, (late of Cambridge). Ireland is almost wholly subdued. I suppose Mr. Leadder will hardly retorne hither.
The Parliament hath made proclamation to pay their Soldiers all areares as haue ben imployed, as well as those
76 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1650.
in this present army, with the Kings lands; which is a notable policy to quyet the land.
Your flFather Peters is a CoUonell and Govemour of Milford Haven. Prince Rupert is in the streights in way of piracy.
Noe certeynty of any forreigne enemy to trouble Eng- land. The Parliaments fleet keeps the Seas cleare.
Soe in hope to see you here shortly, we being all in health, with my love and service to your selfe, wife, sister Lake, my Cosen Elsabeth, Fits &c.
I take leave and am yours [^signature destroyed.']
Salem 29, 2. 50.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his ever honored Cosen John Winthrop Esqr at Pequoijte, dlr.
Sir, — I am glad to heare of your health and welfare. I blesse God wee are in health here and soe be our freinds at Boston. Mr. Rogers of Rowly hath last weeke buryed his wife and childe within a few dayes after shee was brought to bed. I suppose you haue heard how Mr. Leddar hath left the Iron works, and lives at present in Boston, he is about erecting a saw mill at a place nere Pascattaway that shall work with nere 20 sawes at once. Here is one JeflFries come in Mr. Leddars place, he was heretofore maior Gibbons man, he hath bin these 4 or 5 yeares past imployed in England as Clark to an Iron worke.
Wee heare that Mr. Damport and Mr. Eaton are goeing for England. I cannot give much crcditt thereto, I hope you will not resolve to goe before you give your freinds a visit here. Boston hath given Mr. Eaton a call to sett downe with them.
You heare how Major Gibbons will not be perswaded to be a Magistrate.
My Sonne George hath sent a letter to his mother wherein he mentions 2 letters sent before, which I haue
1651.] THE WINTUROP PAPERS. 77
not received ; in this letter he writes not a word of my buisi- nes. I heare by divers, of his purchase of 2 or 300/ per annum ; my Sonne Norton saw the last payment at Mr. Winslows chamber. There be divers which talk of remov- ing hence to your plantation, whereof some though meane in estate, yet vsefull working men. Soe with my love to my Cosen Lake and yours, and myne and my daughter Nortons and hir husband's service to yourselfe and your good wife, I take leave and shall ever be whilest I am
Your verie loving vnckle Em : Downinge.
My service to Mr. Blynman & his wife ; his Church at Gloster is calling Captane Perkins into office.
Salem 24, 12 mo. 1650.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To kU ever honored Cosen John Winthrop Esq at Pequoite.
Honored Sir, — I suppose you haue heard the good newes out of England long ere this, how the Scotts King marched into England with 22000 as farr as Worster Mrithout any opposition. Massy his generall assured the king that all England would come vnto him, but he was refused entrance vntill he cam to Worster, by all the townes he cam by: the Scotts army was not increased above 5 or 6000 by all the Englishe that repayred vnto him ; CoUonell Monck surprised all his treasure (in Scotland) which he had provided to carye with him for the payment of his army, and with yt tooke old Lesley and divers other principall men : When the King cam to Glocester where Massy had ben Govemour, the King sent to the Govemour to surrender to him with great promises of preferment, the Govemour sends answeare and directs yt to him not as King but Commander in Cheife of the Scotts army and tells him he was better principled then to be traytor to the Parliament who had intrusted him, Generall Cromwell
78 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1652.
writes that at the taking of Worster, there was 4 howres as hard dispute as ever he mett with, In this fight Massy was slayne,* the King threw away his George, starr & garter, and fled as a comon Soldjer, is gott into France where he found cold enterteynment. Worster was given to the soldjers to phmder, most of the army was taken or slayne, Earle of Darby beheaded, Earle of Cleavland and manie more lords in prison, Scotland submitts, the Lord St. Johns, Sir Henery Vane, Collonells Lamberton, Ilanison, Deane and my sonne t in October last were sent into Scot- land to setle it (as Wales is). The records of Scotland are sent to the Tower of London, There is an act past for the keeping of the 3d of 7ber a day of thanksgiving for ever, for the victory of Worster that day, and the great victory at Dunbar that day 12 month, where George re- ceived 3 great wounds on his arme besides others but is well againe. There is an act to punishe all heresyes with death that rase foundations, and all Anabaptists to be banished, and if they retorne to England to be hanged vnles they recant.
At Lyn here is good store of salt made. They prepare their liquor in woodden pans as I am informed. I thinke long to see yt. George writes my buisines is not yet done, neither could he stay to effect yt, thus with my wives and my service to yourselfe wife and Cosens Mr. Blynman and his wife I rest and am your loving unckle
Em: Downinge.
Salem 7 of 1 mo. 51.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his euer konered Coaen John Winthrop Esqr, at Pequyt.
EuER HONORED CosEN, — I am sorry for occasion of sad tydings hence vnto you, but I suppose these will not be
• Mns!*y wns not slain, as it proved, though badly wounded. — Eds. t Sir (leorge Downing. — Eikh.
irw2.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 79
the first intelligence thereof. Yeasterday your brother Adam Winthrop was buryed, who dyed the third day before, hauing layne sick fine or six dayes, but in such manner as neither himselfe nor any freind about him sus- pected his death scarce halfe an howre before he departed, who neither made will nor gave any word of directions concerning his estate though in perfect memorie, and wise men about him, he dying in the Elders armes. His wife and others your nere relations here doe earnestly entreat your speedy repayre hither, because the ordering of the buisines about his wife, child, and the rest is refered to your coming. Soe with my wives, the widowes and my service to yourselfe your wife, Mris. Lake, my cosens &c. I take leave and am Your loving vnckle
Boston 2S of the 6th month 16.52. Em : DoWNINGE.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his honored Coaen John Winthrop esq, at Pequoit.
Deare Sir, — I wrote this winter to you with letters therein inclosed to my Cosen Mountagew ; I directed them to Amos Richardson to be sent vnto you. There were letters alsoe from Mr. Peters to your selfe who invites you to retome to England, and writes that if my wife will retome shee shalbe as welcome to him as to hir owne childe. George hath putt Joshua into a Customes place in Scotland. I haue had noe letters from Joshua, nor anv from George in answeare to any thing I wrote to him: he wrote a short loving letter to my wife, and excuseth his not sending any thing to hir in regard of the troubles at Sea. Scotland is quiet. The Dutch haue proclaymed warr with England, with whom there have ben divers Sea fights, and in everie of them the Dutch haue ben worsted. The Spaynyard hath by the helpe of the English regayned
80 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1652.
Dunkirke, Cardinall Maseryne hath left the French Court and is retyred to the boarders, yet France continues still on fire. Ensigne Dixie, as I wrote, sayth your pan is not worth the double loading and Miloading, and therefore adviseth John Gallop to come to Salem and receive yt there, but if I can prevaile yt shalbe sent to Boston, where Mr. Norton is like to succede in Mr. Cottons place.
I suspect George would haue vs retome, and putts Mr. Peters vpon the invitation. Thus with my love and service to yourselfe, wife, children, cosen Lake and honest Mr. Blynman and his good wife, I take leave and am Your lo>dng vnckle Em: Downinge.
Salem 15 of the first mo. 52.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his mtcch honored Cosen John Wirdhrop Esqr. at Pequoife.
Ever honored Cosen, — When I vnderstood that John Gallop was come to Boston, I went to the Iron works and told goodman Jenks of the present opportunitye to send your sawes, who told me he had twoe ready which he would send you : those I hope you haue received, but I could not procure your Iron pan to be sent to Boston as was desired, though often promised to haue yt conveyed thither: at last Dixie said that your best way to haue your pan is to appoynt the vessell to take yt in here that should carrye yt to Pequoit, which will prevent trouble and hasard of spoyling your pan in lying vpon any wharfe at Boston, and it might be shipt and vnshipt againe, whereas once shipping it will serve if your vessell call for it.
Mr. Norton of Ipswich is like to be removed to supply Mr. Cottons place, Boston hath called him, Ipswich re- fuseth. The matter is referred to six Churches, 3 chosen
lGo3.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 81
for Boston, 3 for Ipswich; there be chosen for Boston, Salem, Cambridge, and Dorchester; fFor Ipswich, Lyn, Newbery, and Dedham ; the next fourth day they meet at Ipswich to end the difference.
I suppose you haue heard the report of Mr. Yong laden from your parts to the West Indyes to be taken by Prince Rupart ; yts probable but not certeyne, I say probable be- cause Rupart is in these parts whither he was bound.
The Dutch haue proclaymed warr against England, manie fights haue ben at sea between them, and in all of them the Dutch haue ben worsted ; Mr. Winsloe writes that the State of England expects wee should deall with the Dutch here as cnemyes. CoUonell Lamberton was appoynted to be Deputj' of Ireland, made preparations for yt, but, (in the interim) Collonell Charles Fleetwood marrieth Ireton s widow, Generall Cromwells daughter, where vppon Fleetwood is appoynted Deputye, to the great discontent of manie that should haue gone with Lamberton. There is noe considerable force with the rebells of Ireland or Scotland.
I heare nothing from George nor Joshua about my buisiues. Mr. Peters writes that George doth well to wonder, I suppose he meanes wonderfull well. He writes for your family to goe over, and writes that my wife shalbe as i¥elcome to him as to hir owne sonne. Soe with my love and service to your selfe, wife, children, and Mris. Lake I take leave and am
Your loving vnckle Em : Downinge.
Salem 14. 12. 16t>2.
My Service to Mr. Blynman & his wife.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHUOP, JR.
Sir, — My last were by Amos Richardson concerning Pottashes &c. you know here growes a weed verie plenti-
11
82 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [IGo,}.
fullie in these parts which produce th indico as good as that which comes from the East Indyes, being farr better then the west Indy indico, wee can perceive noe difference betwene the weed which growes here and that of Barbados but only in the colour of the flowers, Some haue mad tryall of it here, but with much more labour then there needs, for after they had steeped it in water, they heated with staves vntill it thickned, whereas an instrument made like a west- countrv churne would Avith ease effect vt. If the weed growes there as it doth here you may make a buisines of it to good account, if [it] growes not there or not soe plenti- fuUie as to maynteyne a worke, you may easily procure seed from Barbados or hence to begjune the buisines. This bearer goodman Raymond was verie desirous to haue a letter, which forced me to study some thing to forme a letter of. Soe for present with my A\ives and mv love and servdce to vourselfe, Anfe, sister Lake, Mr. Bl}Timan and his Avife and all yours, I take leave and am
Your loving vnckle Em : Downing e.
Noe certeyne newes out of England, but by flying reports from Virginea that the Dutch lost 30 saile of merchants and 10 men of war on Goodwin sands, and that there is hope of peace because there was a comand to all Sea men not to medle with the Dutch vntill further directions.
Salem 13. 1. 53.
Indigo. The receipt for making of Indigo, — 1 or 2 houres after the herb is cutt, lay it in a fatt, pressc it downe hard with a beame over cross barres that aire may come to it till it worke & raise the barrs, let it lye 24 houres, th«n fill the fatt halfe full of water till the weede rott in the water, vsually in 24 houres, then fill the fatt full. So lett it stand vntill it come to a coulor within 3 daies tyme the weede vnrotted take out lett the rest stand 24 houres
Ifi-H.] THE WINTHROP TAPERS. 83
more then stirre it that it may all runne out into an other fatt : then beate it & poure it in & out with bucketts & that incessantly, till it come to one perfect coulor, lett it thei\ settle, make then a tap to draw forth • all the thin water, then take vp the bottom remaining into baggs that T^ill hold 5 pound weight, made of strong canvasse with an hoope on the top, & then a stick acrosse, by which hang it in a house & save the droppings, which will make a good Coulor (so the first drawne water a reasonable coulor) in an hourcs tyme the water will all dropp out of the bagge, then take the remaining Indico into boxes, in which lay the Indico some 3 fingers thick, which set in the sunne & let them candy (else in an oven or stove to dry temperately not in hast,) then whilest it is drying slice it with a knife. Memo : the vine cotton like to grow heere.*
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
To his much honored Cosen John Winthrop ait Peqitote.
Honored Cosen, — I suppose you haue heard of the taking of St Johns, Port royall, and Penobscott from the French by Maior Sedgewick, Portroyall only made a litle resistance, where 2 men of ours were slavne and fowre French men whereof one was theire cheife Preist. There was a shipp lately arived from France which the soldiers plundered, yt had 16 great guns which Generall Sedge- wick tooke into his owne ships, and gave the shipp to the French to carye them home, there was found among the Prebts clothes a manuscript contajning the rules of theire government, which are more divilishe then Machi- vills.
Here is newes come from Ne^vfoundland that the
• The above is in the handwriting of John Winthrop, Jr., the Govenior of Connecticut; and was found in the letter of Downing, dated 13. 1. V^S. — Eds.
84: THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [10o7.
State of England sent a fleet to surprise the French at Canada, but because the yeare was farr spent they retorned with resolution to come early in the Spring, the newes alsoe is that warrs are proclaymed with France, here be shipps expected dayly out of England who will bring the truth of it
I should haue ben glad to haue scene you here this sommer. I am now purposed God willing to goe for Eng- land with Generall Sedgewick, which wilbe within these 2 moneths at furthest if not sooner ; if I could I would make a iorny of purpose to see you, vnles you write to Captaine Cane to prevent it, I may haue much trouble about the subscription for the Iron works. Your freinds are all well at Salem, the which I pray for with you. Soe with my love and service to your selfe, your wife, Mr. Blyn- man & his wife, Mris. Lake and your daughters I take leave and rest Your loving unckle whilest I am
Em : DowNiNGE.
Boston 25th of 7ber 1654.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO FITZ JOHN WINTHROP.*
My good Cosen, — I am glad Providence hath brought you safe into these parts, and shall reioyce to haue your companie here and if you meet not with imployment there, my advise is when the season will permitt, that you come downe hither. I know your vnkle Reade wilbe glad to see you and verie ready to helpe your accomodation. I cease further trouble only to tell I am Your loving vnckle
Em: Downinge.
Edenbr. 2 ffebr. '57.
* Fitz John Winthropf the eldest son of John Winthrop, Jr., had gone over to Enjclnnd to seek service in the civil wars. He soon obtained a commission as lieutenant, and ufter- Avnrds as captain, in the regiment commanded by his mother's brother, Col. Thomas Reade, "\vlio \vfi* Gf»vornor o\ Stirling Cattle. — Ki»8.
1658.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 85
EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.*
ffor The honoured John Winthorpe Eaqr, Governour att Connecti-
con. In New england — These.
Sir, — I would be very glad to hear from your self of the health and wellfare of you and yours, and more should I rejoyce to enjoy your companie, if Provydence should so order it. Your Aunt and Cousin [Martha are better aifected with Scotland then I expected. Wee are heer in a comfortable way both for the meanes of grace, and for the outward man. But for Newes at this distance from the Court I can WTjtt you nothing, but what you may hear from better hands thence. The great talk heer at present is of the King of Swedens, who taking advantage of this late frost, the like wherof haue not been since the memorv of man, carried his Army over and subdued the principle parts of Denmark, and possest himself of the Island, wherby he hath the one half of the benefeit of the passage th[rough] the sound, and hath confined the King of Denma[rk] to his Northern parts of his Cuntrj^ and layed a fyne vpon him of Two hundred and fyftie thousand pounds, and to give satisfaction to his father in law, the Duke of Holstein for all his damnagis, his cuntry being the seate of war. And further to allow the King of Swedens four Regiments of horse and foot and free quarters for his Army vntil May. I know you will haue a more compleit account of the Newes hence by your sonn and brother t then I can afFoord you. Therefore I cease from further trouble onlv to tell I am
Your Loveing Vncle
Eman : Downing.
Edinbubgh the 27th of March 16o8.
* Downing seems to have employed nn amunuensifl in writing this letter. — Eds.
t The brother here mentioned was Col. Stephen Winthrop, son of the elder John Win- throp, who commanded a regiment in the civil wars, and was a member of one of Cn>ni- vellV parliaments (165fi), for KnintT and Abenlcen. — Ei>s.
86 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [IfwH.
EMANUEL DOWNING TO FITZ JOHN WINTHROP.
ffor Mr, Winthrop ait Sterling.
My good Cosen, — I am glad yt pleaseth our heavenly father to continew your health in these Northern parts ; yts a blessing which calleth for thanks to heaven, for manie haue mett with much sicknes vppon the change of the avre.
You haue noe cause to be troubled about vour buisi- nes for that its not retomed accordiu": the t\'me vou expected the same, for his highnes hath ben verie sick and is now prety well againe, and I hope shortly will fall to dispatch buisines : and whereas you desire my counsell, I must tell you that you haue great cause to blesse God, who hath vnited your vnckles hart vnto you, who is resolved to make it his buisines to setle you in a way of preferment, therefore let me advise you to acquiesce in him, and him alone vnder God : as for your other place intreat your vnckle to write to your Maior for further tvme ; but the truth is, I conceive it not worth the while whither you hold the intended place or noe, and not worth the spending the favour of a freind for it, I cease further trouble onlv to tell I am
Your loving vnckle
Em: Downinge.
Your Aunt remembers her love to vou, vour Aunt and Cosens.
From Edinborouoh, the 6th of September. 1658.
16:J0.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 87
EMANUEL DOWNING TO FITZ JOHN WINTHROP.
ffor his Loving Nephew Livt Phitta-John Whvthrope, at Sterling,
Loving Cosen, — I am glad to heare you are well and in health, and of the health of your vncle and Aunt and Cosens. Pray present my service to them. Wee received too long letters from your father wherein he writes of the like mor- tallity there as has beene in England. IVIr. Cogan of Boston is dead and manv more which I forbeare to name, because I suppose are vnknowne to you. I cease further trouble only to tell I am Your Loving vncle Em: Downinge.
Edenb. 9th 10, 1658.
BILLS OF EXCHANGE.
Brother Downinge, — I pray paye to this bearer Mr. John Revell or his Assignes the summe of 2 Hi 95 which is due for certaine provisions of one Rich : Childe which Mr. Revell sent to me here I praye paye it within 14 dyes after receipt hereof. So I rest Your loving brother
Jo: WiNTHROP. Chablton in N : England, July 23, 1630.
Received this 30 of September 1630 in full of this bell of Exchang the some of Twenty one pounds nine ) ' * ^• shilenes. I say Rec'd by me Richard Child, i
[Endorsed)
Accepted this bill in the name of Mr. Emanuell Down- ing this fifteenth day of September.
per me, John Winthrop [Jr.].
[London.]
88 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [16ii(».
Mr. Downing, — These arc to intreate you upon sight of this second bill (the first and third bill giuen for this somrae unpayd) to pay unto Mr. William Bundock master of the shippe William and Thomas or to his assignes the some of fower pounds which is part of ye seauen pounds seauenteene shillings which Mr. Griffith Waller is to receaue of you for parcells sold to John Wintrop esquire Gouemor of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England in America.
Herof I doubt not of your performance.
Your assured frend Isa: Johnson.
Salem in New Engl: 19 Aug: 1630.
Mr. Downing lines at his house nere Fleete Conduit, at ye Bishopps head.
Mr. Downinge, — I pray pay to Mr. GrefFeth Wallar ffiftie shillings off the a bofF sayd som ffor his owne ease & the other 30 Shillings pray pay to my wifF at the syt off this bell & this shall be svffeshent dishcharg.
William Bvndvck.
(Edidorsed)
Received the 4th of November 1630 of Mr. John ^ Winthrop in full of this bill the summe of fifty shil- I " '■ lings by the apointment of my mr Daniell Dobbins ( to the vse of Mr. Griffeth Waller. I say received. J
per me IS John Savill his marke.
> xxx!
XXXo. die Octobr 1030.
Received by me Elizabeth Banduck the some of Thirt}' shillings as my parte of this bill Avithin written, being lawfull english monie, I say received the day & moneth aboue >vritten of Mr. John Winthrop gent, sonne to the within named John Winthrop Esquire.
By me B Eliz: Bunduck, her marke.
1643.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 89
BOND.
Whereas John Winthrop, Junr. esqr. hath put me into the Ironworke as an adventurour and given mfe credit for fiftye pounds therein ; and given me tyme for the payment of the said bOli. till my retorne next yeare out of England, if therefore I shall not pay him the said 50/i. before the first day of September next, that then the said 50/i. shaJbe and remayne to the sole and proper vse of the said John his heires and assignes for ever. Witnes my hand this 16 of December 1644. Em: Downinge.
Witness Adam Winthrop.
DEED FROM EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
Bee it knowne to all men by these presentes that I Emanuel Downing of Salem in New England in Conside- ration of the sume of sixty pounds sterling to me in hand payd by John Winthrop Junior Esqr. in Cattle & other goods, doe assigne, sell & set over vnto Thomas Vincent of London all my right & interest as an Vndcrtaker in the Iron Works, wherein my part & share is fifty pounds, as by theere bookes wherein the Vndcrtakers Shares & adventures are sett downe doth & may appearc, To haue & to hould the said share vnto him the said Thomas his heires & Executors, with all the Benefitts & profitts thereof forever, Witnes my hand & scale this 30th day of October 1645. Emmanuel Dow^eing
Witnes John Coggan & a Seale.
WiLLM. ASPINWALL.
I William Aspinwall Notary & Tabellion publick by Authority of the Generall Court of the Massachvsets ap- pointed doe testify this to be a true Copie of the Originall Deed & by me examined, Witnes my hand this 20th of December, 1645, Willm Aspinwall, Notary Public.
1645. 12
90 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1640.
HUGH PETER AND EMANUEL DOWNING TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To our honored brother John Winthrop, Sen. Esqr. these
present^ in Boston.
Deere Sir, — Wee are bold to intrcat your furtherance in counsell and other helpe for the suppressing pipe staff riuers and clabords in our towne ; because wee haue 2 or 3 ships building. Wee desire that within 2 or 3 miles neere any riuer they may not fell great tymber fit for shipping; for they may as. well cut it further of, it being so portable, and ship-timber being so heavy. Your letter to Mr. Endecot by this bearer will helpe vs very much. This bearer will giue you more reasons then wee can, to whom wee intreat you would bee pleased to listen.
These men cut downe but halfe of the tree for their vse, & the rest lyes rotting & spoyles our Comons, with many more inconveniencyes then wee name. Thus craning your wonted and lawfull favor herein, with our due salutations doe rest Yours in all duty
Hu: Peter. Salem 13, 11, 40. Em: Downinge *
* The above letter is placed between those of DowDiDg and Peter, as bearing the signature of both these writers, although not in its chronological order as to either collection. — Eds.
1636.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 91
LETTERS OF HUGH PETER.*
HUGH PETER TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
For my deer & louing Sonne, Mr. John Winthrop, iunior. these
dlr. Boston.
Deere Hart, — Mee thought I broke from you too abruptly last day. My hart is with you. I can say no more but this. Streighten your accounts and in them bee curious. Leaue your mind for mee about your Ipswich busines in writing ; and if you will send 20/ to Mr. Ende- cot you may seale it vp & send it by this bearer. I am buying goates. Salute all yours, tell your wife I will not be long from her. The blessing of heaven bee vpon you & him who is Yours whilst any thing
Hu : Peter.
Sagusb 2d. day.
Leave things with your father in some order for feare of the worst, whom with my mother I pray salute from me vnfaynedly.
• Hugh Peters (who, it will be observed, habitually wrote his name without the final «) hftd married the widow of Edmand Reade, Esq., of Essex ; and had thus become the father- in-law of the younger Winthrop*s wife. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge ; where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1616, and of Master in 1622. He was licensed by the Bishop of London, and preached at St Sepulchre's with great success. His nonconformity brought him into trouble ; and ho went over to Holland, where he spent five or six years, as pastor of the English church at Rotterdam. From there he came to New England in 1636, and remained till 1641. He took an active part in the civil wars of England, on the side of Cromwell ; and, on the Restoration, was arraigned and con- victed as a regicide. He was executed at Charing Cross, Oct. 16, 1660. — Caulfield's High Comrt of Juitict^ pp. 104-112. — Eds.
92 THE WINTHROP PAPERS. [1636.
HUGH PETER TO JOHN WINTHROP.
To the right WorahipfuU John Winthrop Esqr. Boston,
Deerest Sir, — I cannot let so many dayes and nights passe without speaking with you, and now I am at it I haue little to say but that I long to haue your ioycs and peace to continue full ; and that much of my comfort is wrapt vp in yours. A little newcs I had out of a late letter come to hand out of England, which you may tell the Gouernour,* from me to make him laugh viz : that there was a fast in England, and at Bristow in one Church whilst they were preaching a great Bull broke into the church- yard and a company of boyes followed him with squibs ; the people within were taken vp before with thoughts that the papists that day would rise, & had warding all the Country ouer; the Bull & the squibs so wrought vpon their melancholy braynes, that one cryes out if I perish I'll perish here, another swounds away, another they are come, they are come. Mr. Prichard the preachers wife cryes to her husband in the pulpit, come downe (husband) come downe, the tyme is come, & much of this. At Taunton brimstone was smelt in the church & such another com- bustion as when Trestrams boy gote into the fryars Cools.
In hast I rest Yours & euer so
H: Peter.
Sal£M 2(1 day.
We desire a day of thanksgiuing 4th day sennight. I haue wished this bearer to buy me some bees.
• Perhaps Vane, who was Governor in 1686. — Eds.
1636.] THE WINTHROP PAPERS. 93
HUGH PETER TO JOHN WINTHROP, JR.
7b my /rend and son Mr. John Winthrop yonger, these dlr.
Boston*
Deere Sir, — By these you may vnderstand that I haue receiued your letters and am glad our busines goes on, though I am very tender of your personall aduenture in the busines, in which I pray be very carefuU by all meanes. You know many haue an interest in you. For my part I neuer meant lesse then to goe with you, but God's hand hath bin and is vpon mee more and more in the weaknes of my body, which declynes dayly. For the nayles at Salem there are diuers very much rusted, & so are the clinchers ; for the things in the Barke I pray bee carefull of, these are they I thought you should not haue carryed with you, because I feare that our firends will alter their purposes when they come. I am sorry for the short pro- visions in the bay ; it is so all ouer. Helpe Lord ! and I hope hee will helpe. Salute honest Mr. Garddner & the rest. My hart is with you & your ioumey, and my prayers shall follow you.
For those things which conceme the Generall, I shall comunicate to Mr. Humfiry who is home for