A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger Wintrhop, John

1637-07-03

New Providence 2ndo 7manae instantis2July 3, 1637 Sir,

I haue nothing certaine to acquaint you with at present: there haue bene reports these 10 dayes, that the Pequts are entred leauge by the hire of 3 or 4 bushells of beades (black and white) with the Mauquawogs or Mohowawogs which signifies Men Eaters in their language: These Caniballs haue bene all the talke these 10 dayes, and the Nanhiggonsicks are much troubled at them.

2 dayes since came tidings that these Mauquawogs and Pequts haue slaine many both English and Natiues at Qunnihticut plantations, as yet I beleeue it not, and hope in the Lords mercy it is false yet since you please to make such good vse of (Poyson) bad and lying newes, (which for that End to awaken people I confesse) I sent the last: I would not conceale this: I hope to send better in like manner after this; yet I sadly feare if the Lord please to let loose these mad dogs, their practice will render the Pequts Canibals too and 2ndly (at the least) cut of all hopes of safe residence at Qunnihticut, and yet they are an 100 mile to the westward of Qunnihticut Plantations: I hope it will please the Most High to put his hooke into their nose etc. as allso to giue wisedome in the managing of the warr, that if it be possible a leauge may rather be firmely strooke with them: they are most savage, their weapons more dangerous and their crueltie dreadfull, rosting aliue etc.

Sir, I heare of the danger of the Innovation of your Government. The God of heaven be pleased to giue you faythfullnes and Courage in his feare: I feare not so much iron and steele as the cutting of our Throats with golden kniues. I meane that vnder the pleasing baits of Execution of Justice to the 439Eastward and Enlargment of Authoritie, beyond all question, lies hid the hooke to catch your vnvaluable Liberties.3 Better an honorable death then a slaves life.

Sir I may not forget due thanckes for your intended Requitalls of my poore Endeavours toward the Barbarous: if it please the Lord to vse (with any good Success) so dull a toole, Satis Superque etc.

One kindnes (yet according to true Justice) let me be bold to request. I haue not yet got a peny of those 2 vnfaythfull ones James and Tho. Haukins of Boston, concerning whome my selfe and wife haue formerly troubled you. Mr. Coxall hath long had their Bills: agreement of mitigation hath bene made since by Arbitrators but to no purpose: Their great Earnings (if I had not lovingly released them) were mine owne: my owne debts lye vnpaid, dayly calld for, and I heare for certaine (though they can flatter and lye) they haue spent lavishly and fared daintily of my purse while my selfe would haue bene glad of a Crust of their Leavings, though yet I haue not wanted through his loue that feedes the Ravens etc. John Throckmorton hath often demaunded but in vaine he will now attend your loving helpefullnes, and he who is most holy and blessed all mercy and all pitie helpe you mercifully to steere (by his holy Compasse and allso with his owne most holy hand) in the ocean of Troubles and Trialls wherein we saile: It is no small favour that once againe (though the occasions are sad) we may sale and speake togeather, but the Harbour (safe and large) will pay for all: Thus praying for our meeting with best salutes to Mrs. Wintrop and all yours and my true respects to Mr. Deputie Mr. Bellingham and other loving friends I rest Your Worships vnfaigned

Roger Williams
1.

W. 2. 107; 4 Collections , VI. 239–240; N.C. , VI. 14–16.

2.

I.e., the second day of the present week.

3.

“We had news of a commission granted in England to divers gentlemen here for the governing of New England, etc.; but instead thereof we received a commission from Sir Ferdinando Gorges to govern his province of New Somersetshire, which is from Cape Elizabeth to Sagadahoc, and withal to oversee his servants and private affairs; which was observed as a matter of no good discretion, but passed in silence.” Journal (June 26, 1637), 1. 224; also printed in D.J.W. .