The benefite which we have received from that which you were pleased in your kindnesse to bestowe upon our plantation, calles upon me to give you accompt therof and to acquainte you further with our estate heere. As soone as I vnderstood your minde in it, I acquainted the Governour and the rest of the Assistants with it, and calling Hamonde before vs, and finding by such evidence as he produced that parte of that 30li he received of you miscarried by the waye,2 and that his estate was not able to answere what might be required of him, we thought fitt to accept of 20li whereof he hath payd 10li; but the other 10li is now desperate, for yonge Wm. Hammonde goeing with all that his father and he could make and borrowe to trade in Virginia for Corne, the vessell was caste awaye vpon Longe Iland and 7 persons drowned: Hamonde escaped on shore, but was killed by the Indians and one other with him: whereby the olde mans estate is wholly overthrowne. It hath been observed that God hath allwayes crossed us in our trade with Virginia: Diverse of our people went thither aboue halfe a yeare since, but haue not been yet heard off: there was a verye great mortality last winter: about 60 masters of Shipps and other Officers died there; but our people (I prayse God) have their healthe well heere. Sir Hen: Vane his sonne and heire is our Governour this yeare, a godly gentleman and of excellent parts. heere haue been allready 27711 English shipps and 4 Dutche, most of them were but 5 weeks in their passage. my tyme is short and I haue many letters to write, so as I cannot enlarge: my love and due respect to your self and Lady remembered I rest At your seruice