A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2

Margaret Winthrop to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Winthrop, Margaret Winthrop, John, Jr. Winthrop, John, Jr. Winthrop, Margaret

1630-03

To my very louinge sonne mr. John Winthrope at mr. Downinges house in fleetstrete neare the condite theese dd.
my good sonne,

I should longe are this haue ritten to thee, and giuen thee thanke for thy kinde letters, but I must nowe veryfy that prouerbe better late then not at all. I trust heare after I shall haue more leasure to right to thee, and doe place much comfort in thee, and knowe thou wilt 220be a great helpe to me in thy fathers abcence. I am sory I cannot shew my loue to thee as I desyre or expresse my affections as thay are in these fewe lines but I shall all wayes retaine a louinge hart toward thee, and wilbe ready to doe any thinge for thee that is in my power as I know thou wilt doe for me, thearfore my good sonne let vs gine together in maniginge thy fathers affayres in his abcence, and come home to me as sone as thou canest. I cannot right much to thee the wether is so cold and thus with my best loue to thy selfe my brother and sister Downinge I leaue of for this time and commit you to god. Your louinge mother

Margaret winthrope.

you shall receiue by welles the caryer a great chest of linnin to be sent away with the rest of your fathers thinges.

Groton, March, 1629–30.

On the same sheet, in the writing of John Winthrop, Jr.

I received your lovin letters and returne you many thankes for this and all other kindnesses and love which you have pleased to bestow vpon me.

I desire you if I be worthy to have any parte of your vndeserved love that you would add this speciall favour to so many former to assure your selfe of my dutiful and faithfull carriadge towardes you now in my fathers absence in every respect where and whensoever my best diligence care and endeavours may be any waies vsefull and comanded by you

1.

W. 1. 80; L. and L. , II. 67–68.

John Winthrop to Margaret Winthrop1
Winthrop, John Winthrop, Margaret

1630-03-14

Myne onely best beloued,

I now salute thee from South Hampton, where by the Lordes mercye, we are all safe, but the windes haue been such as our shippes are not yet come, we waite vpon God, hopinge that he will dispose all for the best vnto vs. I supposed I should haue founde leysure to haue written more fully to thee by this bearer, but heer I meet with so much company and businesse, as I am forced to borrowe of my sleep for this. I purpose, to redeeme this losse before I goe hence, and to write to diuerse of my freindes. I must intreate thee to supply this defecte 220

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221 221 by remembringe me in the kindest manner to them all. and now (my deare wife) what shall I say to thee? I am full of matter and Affection towardes thee, but want tyme to expresse it. I beseech the good Lord, to take care of thee and thine, to seale vp his louinge kindnesse to thy soule, to fill thee with the sweet comfort of his presence, that may vpholde thee in this tyme of tryall, and grant vs this mercye, that we may see the faces of each other againe in the tyme expected: so louinge the truely, and tender of thy wellfare, studyinge to bestowe thee safe, where I may haue thee againe I leaue thee in the Armes of the Lord Jesus our sweet Sauiour, and with many kisses and embracinges, I rest Thyne onely and euer thine

Jo: Winthrop. South Hampton, March 14. 1629–30.

the good Lord blesse our children and all thy company. doe thou blesse these heer, and pray praye sic for vs.

give mrs. Leigh many thankes for her horse; and remember to requite it.

1.

W. 7 A. 39; Savage (1825), I. 366–367; (1853), I. 439–440; L. and L. , I. 385; Twichell, Puritan Love-Letters , 147–148.