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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2Note: 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 155. Please look at all notes at the end of the document or documents on page 155.

155
John Winthrop to Margaret Winthrop1
Winthrop, John Winthrop, Margaret

1629-10

My deare wife,

I prayse the Lorde that I heare of thy wellfare, and of the rest of our familye: I thanke thee for thy most kinde lettre, and especially that sweet affection from whence it flowes. I am sorye, I cannot come downe to thee, as I hoped, but there is no remedye, the Lorde so disposeth, as I must staye yet (I doubt) a fortnight, but assure thy selfe, not one day more then I must needes. I praye thee haue patience, God in his due tyme, will bringe vs togither in peace. We are now agreed with the merchantes, and staye only to setle our affairs. I haue not one quarter of an howres tyme to write to thee: therefore thou must beare with me, and supply all defects of remembrances, the Lorde blesse thee my sweet wife and all ours farewell, send not vp my horses till I sende for them, thy faithful husband

Jo: Winthrop. Seal. 2 London, Octob:
1.

W. 7 A. 30; Savage (1825), I. 360–361; (1853), I. 433; L. and L. , I. 334.

2.

The seal is the dove of promise, commonly used by Winthrop after he decided to remove to America.

John Winthrop, Jr., to John Winthrop1
Winthrop, John, Jr. Winthrop, John

1629-10-05

Sir,

My humble duty remembred, hoping that you are in health, as God be thanked wee are all heere at this present. I thought I should have Come to you to London on Saturday next, but because you wrote at the end of your letter to my mother that I should not need come till tuesday,2 I purpose to stay till then; but we did not well vnderstand whether my brother forth should need come vp with vs to come downe with my aunt Fones, which you may please to Certify my mother of with your next letters. I vnderstand that my brother Henry doth meane to returne from the barbathoes3 with the first occation, and then to goe with his wiffe into new England. If he returne so soone, his Voyage will but gaine him Expenses and bee to noe purpose when he hath done for except hee will continue there, (which I thinke would be the ruine of his soule to live among such company), he must be forced to trust some frend at his returne, which he may doe as well now, and may make his Estate as sure as any other merchantes that are forced to commit all to others trust, besides he may this winter sell his land and make provitions to goe with you in the Spring, or at least to 156send some stocke over, if my sister should not be ready to goe so soone. therefore I pray sir if you see it fitting, Counsell him to stay, or if my Counsell hath prevailed with him, be pleased to approve thereof; so desiring your praiers and blessing I humbly take my leave and rest your obedient sonne

John Winthrop. Groton. Oct: 5: 1629.

I pray remember my duty and love to my vncle and aunts, with my love to my cozens. My sister winthrop and my brothers and sister remember their duty to you.

I suppose if you please he may keepe it private.

1.

W. 1. 60; L. and L. , I. 334–335; 5 Collections , VIII. 22–23.

2.

October 13.

3.

That is, to go and return.