A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

257
Mary Dudley to Margaret Winthrop1
Dudley, Mary Winthrop, Margaret

1636-04-28

To the worshipfull my deare mother Mrs. Winthrop at her house in Boston these present
Deare mother,

After my bounden duty I still continue to be a troublesome suter to you, in the behalfe of a mayd. I should hardly haue made so bold to iterate my request, but such is my nessecity that I am forced to craue your help hearein as speedily as may be my mayd being to goe away vpon may day and I am like to be altogether destitute. I cannot get her to stay a month longer, and I am soe ill and weak that I am like to be put to great straits if I cannot get one by your meanes. I doe not doubt of your care hearein, but yet I make bold to put you in mind, lest you should conceiue my need to be lesse than it is. my husband is willing to stand to what you shall thinke meet to giue I desire to haue my duty and thankfullnesse presented to my father, for the wheat he sent me by the pinace I haue not yet receiued it but by my letter I perceiue there is some for me. I intreat you would be pleased to send those thinges that I formerly writ for. I am ashamed of my boldnes in this and other requests, but the constant experiance of your loue and boundty to me makes me still presume on your favour: I desire the mayd that you provide me may be one that hath been vsed to all kind of work, and must refuse none if she haue skill in a dayrie I shall be the gladder. my Children are well, and my husband who desires to haue his duty and service presented to my father and you. thus intreating your acceptance of these scribled lines I humbley take my leaue, Your dutifull daughter

Mary Dudley April 28, 1636
1.

W. 4. 25; 3 Collections , I. 67.