Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 1
1625-02-22
I beseeche our heavenly father to blesse thee. I received your lettre, and am gladd of your healthe, but should yet be more gladd, if I could heare that you were resolued vpon any good Course for the imployment of your life and talentes. I desire but that your iudgment may be once rightly informed and then lett God dispose of you as he please. I perceive you are not yet admitted,2 and I am now offered a place in the temple with mr. Gurdons sonne,3 where you may have a Chamber freely for the most parte of the yeare, but I referre this and the rest to suche good advise as your frendes there shall give you. God give you an heart to be guided aright in all your wayes. I shall thinke longe to heare somewhat of your settlednesse. your grandmother and mother salute and blesse you they with the rest of our family and your new brother Nath,4 are in reasonable healthe (I prayse God) so havinge many lettres to write, 319I will ende for this tyme and comendinge you againe and againe to our heavenly father, I rest your lovinge father most studious of your wellfare
Remember me most kindly to your good Aunt Fones.
John Winthrop, Jr., was admitted to the Inner Temple in November, 1624. Students Admitted to the Inner Temple, 1547–1660 (London, 1877), 241: “John Winthrop, Groton, Suffolk. Eldest son of John Winthrop.” His father seems to have in mind the question of his admission to lodgings or chambers in the Inner Temple.
Robert Gurdon, second son of Brampton Gurdon. Muskett, 287; Calendar of the Inner Temple Records, II. 155.
“He was baptized February 20, 1624; and died young.”
L. and L.
, I. 204, note.