A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

George Phillips to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Phillips, George Winthrop, John, Jr.

1636-03-29

To the worthy and deseruedly respected Mr. John Winthrope iunr. gouernorfor the plantation at Quinticuke these deliver
Worthy Sir,

I am bold to write a few lines vnto you and therby to request a great matter at your handes, wherunto I am encouraged from the vprightnes of my Conscience in presenting the motion vnto you and further by the wayght of the matter both in necessity and profit that I truely apprehend to attend the Cause The summe is that you wold be pleased to sett downe with that plantation begonne there by Watertowne2 The necessity of it is, the weaknes of a company without a head cannot well sway and guide it selfe but is subiect to many errors distractions confusions and what not, which in our vndertakings in this part of the world cannot but proue dangerous to the cause of religion, dismal to the Common state, both in generall and particular, and disturbance if not destruction to the church estate which wee desire may there be established and prosper: The profit wilbe (I am resolued through Gods mercy) not onely the preuention of the former euills, but very great aduantages to the glory of God, much furtherance of his prayse in many thanksgiuings, and the prosperous and peacable estate of that people and soe of all the rest. I had spoken vnto you here but was discourged by the sence of mine owne disabilities to performe any thing that might be satisfac­242tory on my part to such a fauour if you shold be pleased to yeeld it Were I not conscious of mine owne weaknes I shold be exceedingly importunate if not impudent in pressing my request in this case, but mine owne infirmity makes mee (though litterae non erubescunt) ashamed and therefore to say little but leaue this to your louing Consideration and the blessing of God All I will say is that you wold take this in good part and beleeue mee it proceeds from a free and sincere heart And with the tender of my humble respect and true loue vnto you I shal not cease to pray to God to blesse you in whom I remayne yours in all Christian duty and affection

Georg: Phillips Watertowne the 29 of the first moneth, 1636
1.

W. Au. 89; 5 Collections , I. 123–124. For Phillips, see 5 Collections , I. 123n.; Henry W. Foote, “George Phillips, First Minister of Watertown,” Proceedings , lxiii. 193–227.

2.

Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Mary Dudley to Margaret Winthrop1
Dudley, Mary Winthrop, Margaret

1636-04

Deare and Louing Mother,

My duty remembred to your selfe and my Deare Father hopeing of your wellfare as all we are I shall make bold to trouble you with a few thinges as I do allwayse on thinge is that you take some paines in providing a maid for me for the first of may my maid is to goe away from me: on that should be a good lusty seruant that hath skille in a dairy and for what wages you shall agree that my husband will be willing to stand too and I would intreat you to send me word as soone as you can and I would pray you to send me a childs chaire for I can get none made heear and goodman Buttons Boat shall calle for it a fortnight hence: John begins to brake out with heat I would pray you to send me that that you think fitt will do him good: he hath tow teeth allready So haueing nothing else but my Loue remembred to all my friendse I rest Your Dutyfull and obedient Daughter

Mary Dudley Ca. April, 1636

I do desire that you wold please to get Margarett Steele released from Mr. Simkins to come and liue with me for my maid is to goe away from me the first of may or els to gett me some other mayd which is skilfull in the Dearie to come to me to Ipswich the first weeke of May.

1.

W. 4. 24; 5 Collections , I. 66.

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