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 167. Please look at all notes at the end of the document or documents on page 167.
1629-11-10
After my returne home from yow, I fell into disquiett with my selfe; thinkinge that I came short, in giueinge yow satisfacion concerninge that poynt, propounded by yow of so maine importance, (vizt) whether I had absolutelie resolued to master my desires, and conuersacion, and to liue vnder the Hierarchie of your church and ciuill gouerment, purposed and concluded among your selues. Which consideracion hath principallie vrged these troblesome lines; to giue, vnder my owne hand, a testimonie of my selfe; That from the verie first birth of my resolucion, to serve in this busines, I firmelie and vnmoueablie determined, and still and euer, (the grace of god assistinge me) shall determine, to giue vp all my faculties, and powers both of soule, and bodie, instruments, weapons and ministers to serue yow in that vnitie bond, and waie of pietie, and deuocion, which your selues shall imbrace, and insue: And so farr I besiche yow let me be, from beinge suspected of obstinacie or non conformitie, that yow would be pleased to vnderstand, that I much comfort my selfe, in the grace of him, that is master and giuer of all grace and power, that I shall be an example, and true light to continue manie refractaries in flexibilitie, and obedience, oh, if I obtaine the happines, to laye but one stone in the foundacion of this new Syon, I shalbe rauished with high content. And for the sinceritie of my heart, in these conclucions, I appeale, not onlie to earth, but to him that made both heauen and earth. Sir we haue been much startled with 167the vncertaine report of the restraint, of diuers most honorable personages, the cause not know
1629-11-11
I must needs write to thee by this bearer, though I can write little in regarde of my much businesse. I prayse God, I came safe hither, where I found all in health, and so (through his mercye) we continue. I haue sent downe my horses, because I am like to staye somewhat longer then I made accom
my sonne remembers his dutye to thee and his aunt, and loue to all etc.
W. 7 A. 32; Savage (1825), I. 361–362; (1853), I. 434–435;
L. and L.
, I. 355–356.
“On Tuesday evening were sent Mr. Vice-chamberlain and others to seal up Sir Robert Cotton's library, and to bring himself before the Council. There was found in his custody a pestilent tractat, which he had fostered as his child, and had sent abroad into divers hands, containing a project how a Prince may make himself an absolute tyrant. This device he had communicated to divers lords who, on his confession, are questioned and restrained; the Earl of Somerset to the Bishop of London, Lord Clare to the Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Bedford to the writer knows not whom. Cotton himself is in custody.” The Archbishop of York to Sir Henry Vane, London, November 6: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1629–1631, 89. See
D. N. B.
, XII. 312.
November 5, “Two Dutch ships have arrived in Falmouth harbor with 24 English planters of good account from St. Christopher's, who were found at sea in distress. They relate that the island had been taken by a Spanish fleet of 34 ships,” etc. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial, 1574–1660, 102, 103.