Yours by younge Hamond I received, and cannot but most thankfully accept your kind remembrance of me, and your good Affection to this work, which the Lords owne hande hath begunne and vphelde hetherto, and in the prosperitye whereof, some blessinge and comforte may redounde to all the Churches of Christ. For our estate heere both Politick and Ecclesiasticall, I knowe, you are allreadye sufficiently informed: and althoughe we cannot professe a perfection in either (which is not to be looked for in this worlde) yet it is suche, as the Lords holy and wise servants (suche as he hath vouchsaffed to bestowe upon vs both formerly and now of late) doe approue of, and accordingly doe ioyne with vs in the same Course: I meane especially those 2 reverend and faithfull ministers Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker, who lately arrived heere with their familyes in as good healthe (praysed be God) as when they came forthe, althoughe Mrs. Cotton was deliuered of a sonne at sea, who was since baptised on shore and named Seaborne.

For your advise about our Affaires, I am muche behoulden to your Care of vs, and doe concurre with your opinion in the most, as our practice dothe declare, and shalbe somewhat rectified by your advice, at present, and more as our meanes may be enlarged: but in the last, both our practice and Judgment differ from yours: but I suppose we should soone be agreed if you were heere to see the state of things, as we see them: I think not fitt to enter into particulars because Lettres are subiect to miscarrye, but you can conceive my meaning. I cannot enlarge towards you as your Love deserves. I hope you will consider my occasions and many Lettres which I must write. How you should imploye any stock heere, except you sende some faithfull man to manage it, I cannot advise you; onely you may drive a trade with the Lord heere, in helping forwarde the worke of the Gospell, by sending over some poore godly familyes with a yeares provision, which I account one of the best workes which may be performed at this season: If you will please to rayse a Colonye heere in that manner (which would not be difficult for your self with such godly frends as you may have to ioyn with you) I would take off any further trouble from you about it, but I leave it to your Consideration. So with my hearty salutation and due respect to your selfe and your Ladye, I 140commende you to the Lord and take my leave. I rest Yours to doe you service in the Lord

I received 3 Lettres from you, but had no opportunitye to sende any to you. I blesse the Lord for the Continuance of your healthe, and of your Companye: but I am sorye to heare your house is in no more forward-nesse. I doubt you will not have it fitt for habitation this winter.

Concerninge Mr. Leveredge,2 I knowe not how you can seeme to desire him without Offence to the Lords who have sent him over, though he may be free neither doe I see how you are able at present to maintaine him and his familye but that you must waite till the springe: yet what lyes within my power to helpe you herein I shalbe readye.

For the steeres I sent, I had worde from you by Mr. Clerke, to sende one, and I knewe you might more easyly make vse of 2 then one. if none of your neighbours can or will fitt them for your owne and their vse, I will sende for them againe. if you make but a slead you may drawe wood and Timber enough with them.

For the olde Corne you desire, I cannot helpe you with aboue one hogshead (for I have not 2 lefte) but I have bought a hogshead of Englishe meale for you: which I will sende you by the next Conveyance (if you resolve to winter there).

There was a Sowe of lead sent at first which you were best to enquire after, yet you may have another. for other things your wife will write to you. I meet with so many letts, as I doubt I shall not see you at Agawam till the Court be passed. The messinger is readye to departe, so as I must ende, and with mine and your mothers most hearty Love and prayers to the Lord for your wellfare, I commende you to the good providence and blessinge of the Lord and rest Your loving father,