When I first heard of those heavy distractions which have risen so vnexpectedly: I did reioyce from the root of my heart, that the Lord did, and hath gratiously kept you from any taynt of those new-coyned conceits: The Lord strenghthen and establish you in every holy word and work: In a good cause he hath given you gratious abilityes to do him much service, and I am perswaded he will blesse you in such in-deavors. you know my playnnesse: you cannot keepe your comfort, nor an honorable respect in Christ in the hearts of his more then in keeping closse to the truth: you shall have what interest I have in heaven to help you in that work: How the Pequoyts have made an inrode by a suddayne surprisall vpon some of our brethren of Watertowne,2 slayyng weomen and children who were sent out carelessly without watch and guard, this bearer will tell you:

Though we feele nether the tyme nor our strenght fitt for such a service, yet the Indians here our frends were so importunate with vs to make warr presently that vnlesse we had attempted some thing we had delivered our persons vnto contempt of base feare and cowardise, and caused them to turne enemyes agaynst vs: Agaynst our mynds, being constrayned by necessity, we 408have sent out a company, taking some Indians for guides with vs: What is done you will better heare it by report, then I shall relate it by penn, for our men went downe as these pynaces came to vs: Only we heare, ther is six of the Pequoyts slayne by our Indians not far from the fort. I hope you see a necessity to hasten execution, and not to do this work of the Lords revenge slackly: I shall commend the cause to your love and wisdome, and your self to the rich mercy of our God in Christ, and in all thankfulnes for all your love rest Yours in all due-respect