A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

175
John Winthrop to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Winthrop, John Winthrop, John, Jr.

1634-11-06

To my lovinge sonne Mr. John Winthrop deliver At Mr. Downinge his Chamber in the inner Temple lane London
My dear sonne,

I hope the Lord hath carried you safe to England with our most deare mr. Warner,2 and the rest of our good brethren and freinds. there is nothing befallen since your departure, but mr. Peirce came from Naragansett 3 days after, with 500 bushels of Corne onely: At the Court it was informed that some of Salem had taken out a peece of the Crosse in their Ensigne, wherevpon we sent forth an Attachment to bring in the partyes at the next Court, where they are like to be punished for their indiscreet zeale, for the people are generally offended with it. mrs. W. was at first very much affected with her husbands departure but she is now well pacified. I intend to sende this Lettre by Captain Vnderhill, who hath leave to goe see his freinds in Holland. if he come to you, he can inform you of all things here. As I was writinge this, Richard came in and tould me the dogge had killed an olde woulf this morning in our neck: she made more resistance then both the former. I have many things to write to you about, for such necessaryes as are to be provided and sent over, but this occasion is suddain, and I cannot think of them: but shall write more largely by mr. Peirce if the Lord will. your selfe know what wilbe needfull, and therefore may consider accordingly. remember Coperous white and green: and 2 or 3 li. of Paracellsus plaister, and some E: indian Bezoar, store of sayl clothe, nayls, Cordage, Pitche, tallow and wicke, steel spades and shouells, 2 hand sawes and small axes the best of all what euer they cost: Commend vs to all our good freinds where you become, mr. W. and the rest, your vnckles Ants etc: advise mr. W. to keepe close by all newes, and make haste back. the good Lorde blesse and prosper you that we may see your face with ioy. your mother etc. salute and blesse you farewell

John Winthrop Nou: 6, 1634
1.

W. 7A. 53; Savage (1825), I. 384–385; (1853), I. 462; L. and L. , II. 123–124.

2.

Winthrop undoubtedly means the Reverend John Wilson, who had returned to England on the same ship with John Winthrop, Jr. Since Winthrop considered that Wilson was “like to be troubled and detained” in England (Journal, I. 145; also printed in D.J.W. , entry for January 13, 1635, note 1, and entry for October 15, 1635, folio 138 ), he quite naturally avoided using his correct name. He subsequently refers to him in this letter as “Mr. W.” Similarly, the “Mrs. W.” refers to Wilson’s wife.