Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 1Note: you've followed an index reference to a note that, due to changes between the print and digital editions, may no longer be on page 382. Please look at all notes at the end of the document or documents on page 382.

John Winthrop to John Winthrop, Jr.1

Winthrop, John Winthrop, John, Jr.

1628-03-18

To my lovinge sonne John Winthrop, at the House of Mr. Downing, near the Conduit, in Fleet Street, London 2

Lovinge sonne,

I received your letter, and I blesse God for your wellfare, begginge of him daylye that your soule may prosper as your bodye dothe, and if this care be in your heart (as I hope it is) you shall doe well, for this rule God hathe sett vs to walke by, first to seeke the kingdome of heauen, then will he see to vs for other thinges, so as I dare avouche it, as infallible truethe, that he who dothe otherwise, takes a preposterous course to happinesse, and shall not prosper: should not a man trust his maker and rest vpon the counsell of his father, before all other thinges? should not the promise of the holye Lord the God of truethe be beleeved aboue all carnall false feares, and shallowe wayes of humane wisdome? it is iust with God to harden mens heartes in their distrust of his faithfulnesse, because they dare not relye vpon him. but suche as will roull their wayes vpon the Lorde doe finde him allwayes as good as his worde. I blesse his name, we all continue 382in healthe, and this daye I expect your brother from Cambridge: I wishe you could meet with some safe meanes to sende to your brother Henrye, I have founde two sturdye youthes that would goe to him, if Capt. Powell returne not soone, I shall feare he hathe miscarried and then shall we see Godes providence that your brother returned not with him.

I cannot come vp till the weeke after Easter, but you may knowe mr. Featherstones resolution in the meane tyme. I praye inquire how thinges goe in the Parliament and write to me of them: but thinges which are doubtfull lett passe. if the commission for the navye be dissolued, what imployment hathe your Captain then, for it seemes he was lately putt into it.3 when you see him or her commende me kindly to them.

we wante a litle tobacko, I had verye good for 7 s. per libram at a grocers by Holburne bridge, there be 2 shoppes togither it was at that which is furthest from the bridge towardes the Conduicte, if you tell him it is for him that bought halfe a li. of verina4 and a li. of virginia of him last terme, he will vse you well, send me 1/2 a li. of virginia. I would gladly heare of a chamber in the Temple or in some other convenient place, for that I have is muche to deare.

I have many letters to write, therefore I ende, and with my love and blessinge to you I commende you to the protection and good government of the Lorde and rest your lovinge father

Jo: Winthrop Groton, March 18, 1627–28

I thinke to sende my brother Downinge a greyhound.

W. 7A. 20; Savage (1825), I. 349–350; (1853), I. 418–419; L. and L. , I. 250–251.

Words in brackets are no longer on the sheet.

The Council of War was enlarged February 15, 1627–28, with Captain Best as a member. Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1627–28, 563.

Verinas were a superior quality of roll tobacco. “There are so many sofisticating Tobacco-mungers in England, were it neuer so bad, they would sell it for Verinas, and the trash that remaineth should be Virginia.” John Smith, Works (ed. Arber), 541.

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