A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Sir Matthew Boynton to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Boynton, Matthew Winthrop, John, Jr.

1637-04-12

To my uerie worthy friende John Winthropp the yonger Esqr. att Ipswidge in the Massachusetts Bay in New England giue this
Sir,

hauinge considered the uncertaintie of my condition and the more, by reason of manie difficulties which I dayly meete withall, my businesses alsoe which are manie beeing yett undisposed of: I haue thought itt nott conuenient to be att anie further charge with my stocke butt ame upon these considerations fullie resolued to lett them out to be kept for me for a third parte of the increase, which I haue heard to be the usuall rate of the Con trie, butt if I be mistaken therin, I refer itt to your selfe to make such an allowance out of the increase of the Cattle, I meane my whole stocke, as you shall iudge to be equall and proportionable: and because theyr will be noe employment for 389my seruants when my stocke is thus disposed of: I will leaue itt to theyr choice, whether they will returne into England, the charge of which theyr passage I will uerie willinglie beare, if they thinke itt conuenient, which notwithstanding I suppose they will nott, (if they understand the condition of things here) or els to make use of theyr liberties for theyr best aduantage in the place where they are: your kindeness in the disposinge of my businesses for me shall much engage Your affectionate and assured friende

Matt. Boynton London April 12th 1637

I haue sent eyther of my seruants halfe a yeares wages by Mr. Hopkins which I pray you deliuer to them. I haue heard nothing from you nor them since the last yeare: soe that I know nothing how my stocke prospereth: I haue giuen your vncle Downing satisfaction for thirtie pound concerning which you writt to me. I gaue my seruants a yeares wages before hand when I sent them ouer in May last. I haue alsoe intreated Mr. Hopkins to use his endeauoures for the disposing of my stocke for my best conueniencie, soe that I may be free from anie charge att all in keeping of them and that itt may be alsoe in my power to deliuer them upon occasion of anie present bargain to anie to whom I shall thinke fitt to sell them here att home.

1.

W. 3. 42; 4 Collections , VII. 168–169.

Robert Stansby to John Wilson1
Stansby, Robert Wilson, John

1637-04-17

To the Reuerent, my very loueing and much respected freinde Mr, Wilsone pastour of the congregation at Booston these deliver in new England
Reuerent and welbeloved brother in the Lord,

I wrott lately to you by my kinsman who came with Mr. Andrews of Ipswich, but now haueing so fytt an opportunity by many who come with Mr. Cutting shipp as I will not lett yt slipp ouer, in token of my loue and desyre to heare of you, and the rather I am willing to putt penn to paper in regard of some thing that haue lately fallen out amongst vs.

Mr. Morgan is now dead and I hope at rest with the Lord, our ministers who haue yet ther liberty are in great danger of losing yt all over the lands Of them I haue lately hard much and so much as I cannot but grieue for yt (yf yt be true not without cause) especially these 3 particulars.

390

1. That ther is great diuision of Iudgement in matter of religion amongst good ministers and people which moued Mr. Hooker to remoue now we see that yt is Christ speeche, a kingdome diuided, etc.

2. That many of the ministers are much sleighted with you, insomuch as although you want ministers (as some wright) yet some amongst you worke with ther hands being not called to any place, as Mr. Burdett of Yarmouth etc.

Others laye downe ther ministery and become priuate members, as Mr. Bacheler, Mr. Jenner, and Mr. Nathan. Ward etc. that which grieue me most your selfe much sleighted of whose faythfullnesse, gifts and diligence I and many others haue had so much experience.

3. That you are so strict in admission of members to your church, that more then one halfe are out of your church in all your congregations, and that Mr. Hooker before he went away preached against yt (as one report who hard hym) (and he saith) now although I knowe all must not be admytted yet this may do much hurt, yf one come amongst you of another minde, and they should ioyne with hym.

Good Sir I pray giue a true, playne and longe answere, for I assure you ther is now so much talke of yt, and such certeyne truth of yt, as I know many of worth, for outward estate and abilty for wisdome and grace are much danted from comeing. I wish you well, and much longe for your priuiledges. what the Lord haue determined I know not. I desyre to wayte vpon hym for his direction. My wife and I do hartily salute you and Mrs. Wilson and your familyes and so for this tyme I commytt you to the Lord and rest Your loueing true frend

R. Stansby Aprill 17, 1637

Old Mr. Hall is yet liueing but silenced, a letter from Mr. Cotton to hym would chere hym vp in his old dayes, but howsoever I pray remember my respect to hym.

I being putt from my parsonage do not well know wher I shall liue: but I pray direct your letter to Mr. Gurdon of Assington.

1.

W. 3. 4; 4 Collections , VII. 10–11.